The Philippine Navy (PN) is seeking to acquire three of six Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to enhance joint interoperability and strengthen its maritime capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
This follows Japan’s plan to transfer the warships — over 30 years old and scheduled for decommissioning in 2027 — to Manila, unveiled in July.
However, the handover is not guaranteed, as Vietnam and Indonesia were reportedly also interested in the vessels, PN Chief Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta said during a budget hearing.
In addition, the ships’ weapon systems would be removed under Tokyo’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which restrict the export of combat-capable systems, the Inquirer reported.
Japan has become a key defense partner for the Philippines, providing grants to enhance the country’s coastal security capabilities.
Earlier this year, the two countries deepened security ties amid an “increasingly severe” security environment.
Fitting in With the Philippines
Philippine Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in July that the potential acquisition will depend on how well the vessels integrate with the PN’s existing fleet, as well as the costs of rearming and ensuring secure communications.
Ezpeleta added that the service has already inspected the ships and submitted its recommendation.
If approved, the transfer would expand the navy’s fleet as it awaits eight new South Korean-built warships — two Malvar-class guided-missile frigates and six offshore patrol vessels.
It would also mark Tokyo’s first naval warship export.
The Abukuma-Class
Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class warships feature a 2,000-ton displacement and can reach speeds of 27 knots (50 kilometers/31 miles per hour).
Measuring 109 meters (357 feet) long, the destroyer escort carries anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, a 76mm main gun, and a 20mm close-in weapon system.
It is slightly longer than the Philippine Navy’s Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigates, which measure 107 meters (351 feet) in length but have a standard displacement of 2,600 tons.
