The Philippines is actively assessing a potential acquisition of Japanese warships in a strategic effort to reinforce its naval defenses in the face of China's increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The two U.S. allies—Japan and the Philippines—have reportedly discussed the transfer of six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, originally commissioned between 1989 and 1993, as part of growing bilateral defense cooperation.

Rising Tensions in Disputed Waters

The planned naval enhancement follows a surge in Chinese naval activity around the contested Scarborough Shoal, an area claimed by both China (as Huangyan Dao) and the Philippines (as Bajo de Masinloc). With China's navy and coast guard now the largest globally by hull count, Manila has sought to fortify its own maritime capabilities, relying on defense partnerships for modern equipment and second-hand vessels.

Strategic Naval Modernization

On Sunday, the Philippine Navy confirmed it had received an invitation from Japan’s Defense Ministry to inspect the Abukuma-class ships. These 2,000-ton vessels, equipped with 76 mm rapid-fire guns and surface-to-surface missiles, are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare. A Philippine naval delegation is set to conduct a comprehensive technical evaluation to determine the ships' suitability for integration into its fleet.

Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Chief of the Philippine Navy, emphasized the strategic value of the vessels: “We need more floating assets. This will be a good addition to our capability to patrol and defend our maritime territory.”

Legal and Political Framing

Although Japan prohibits the export of lethal weapons, the government is expected to treat this as a “joint development” initiative—allowing for the customization of the warships for Philippine use under existing defense export guidelines.

If finalized, the deal would mark a new phase in the Japan–Philippines security partnership, which has already seen Japan provide patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, and radar systems to its Southeast Asian ally. Delivery of the ships, if approved, could begin as early as 2027.