Japan To Export Used Warships To Philippines

JAPAN has reportedly stated its commitment to export six former Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines according to Japanese media reports.

The Philippines Navy (PN) had confirmed the “possible transfer” of the ships once decommissioned from JMSDF service and is now undertaking preparatory steps for a Joint Visual Inspection (JVI) of the ships following an official invitation from the Japan Ministry of Defense. The PN’s delegation of naval experts will be conducting a “very thorough” in-depth assessment of the ships.

A PN release read, “This planned inspection forms part of exploratory discussions on the possible transfer of these naval assets to the Philippines. Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are known for their reliability and versatility, which align with the PN’s operational requirements in protecting the country’s maritime domains,”

Reports further added that the deal was agreed upon by the respective defence ministers Gen Nakatani and Gilberto Teodoro recently in Singapore. Meanwhile, the Secretary Teodoro said the decision would depend on several factors including the suitability of those ships in the current armada.

The 109-metre long Abukuma-class vessels are a smaller type of destroyer displacing around 2,000 tonnes and is crewed by 120 personnel, armed with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles (ASM), torpedoes, 76mm main gun and 20mm close-in weapons system (CIWS).