Japan to export 6 Abukuma-class ships to Philippines for maritime security

Japan is set to export six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines to enhance maritime security against China's increasing military presence.

Philippine Navy officials confirmed Sunday that preparatory steps are underway for a Joint Visual Inspection of the ships following an official invitation from Japan's Ministry of Defense.

A team of Filipino naval experts will be sent to Japan to assess the condition and capabilities of the ships, which are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, to help determine if the transfer will proceed as part of the Philippine Navy's modernization program.

These Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, originally commissioned between 1988 and 1991, are expected to enhance interoperability between the two militaries and support joint deterrence capabilities against China's maritime expansion in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

Japan will treat the installation of equipment and communication systems requested by Manila as a joint development project to clear military export restrictions under its pacifist mandates.