Philippine Navy sends team to Japan to inspect Abukuma-class destroyers

The Philippine Navy will send a joint visual inspection team (JVI) to Japan in August to assess six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts for potential transfer from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said the two-week inspection aims to determine operational viability and align with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, as part of exploratory discussions on the possible acquisition.

The team will consist of surface warfare officers, sea systems experts, financial analysts, logisticians, and naval experts who will evaluate the ships' anti-submarine, anti-surface, electronic, and anti-air warfare capabilities.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. noted that the decision on transfer depends on whether the ships fit with the current fleet and if additional resources are needed for weaponization, interoperability, and secure communications.

The export of these used destroyers aims to improve interoperability with the Philippine military and jointly strengthen deterrence and response capabilities against China, as confirmed by Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Teodoro during a meeting in Singapore.