By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Japan and the Philippines have agreed to begin working-level discussions on the possible transfer of retired Japanese destroyers to the Philippine Navy, signaling a major step in Tokyo’s evolving defense export policy.
The agreement was reached Tuesday, May 5, during talks in Manila between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Koizumi also paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Koizumi said both countries face growing security challenges in nearby waters, making stronger maritime coordination increasingly important.
“We continue to see unilateral actions aimed at changing the status quo through force or coercion,” Koizumi said, stressing the need to improve maritime domain awareness.
Japan and the Philippines agreed to pursue broader defense equipment cooperation, including the possible early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 training aircraft.
Teodoro clarified that the destroyers would be provided to Manila as a donation rather than through a purchase arrangement.
“The transfer is a giveaway,” he said, noting that the Philippines could also gain access to other Japanese defense equipment under Tokyo’s updated export framework.
Japan is reportedly considering sending decommissioned Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers armed with anti-ship missile systems and advanced naval guns.
The announcement came as Japanese troops joined Balikatan exercises with Filipino, American, and Australian forces in northern Luzon.
During Wednesday’s live-fire drills, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces launched Type 88 anti-ship missiles at the retired BRP Quezon off the coast of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The target vessel was struck twice within minutes.
President Marcos monitored the exercise through a live video feed from Manila, while Teodoro and Koizumi observed operations on-site.
Malacañang said the exercise demonstrated improved coordination among allied forces and showcased the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ growing interoperability with foreign partners.
The two defense chiefs also agreed to establish a joint working group involving policy, operations, and defense equipment officials to facilitate future cooperation.
The planned transfer of Japanese naval assets comes amid continuing regional tensions linked to China’s activities in the East and South China Seas.
IA/XF
