Japan plans to transfer five retired Abukuma-class destroyer escort warships to the Philippines as part of its official security assistance program, with the agreement basically finalized and only administrative steps pending, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on July 7, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The transfer is expected to begin around the 2027 fiscal year, after the ships retire from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and to be completed within two to three years from 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Teodoro described the deal as a “symbol of goodwill” reflecting deepening defense cooperation between the two countries [1, 2].
The five vessels are part of the six Abukuma-class ships built between 1989 and 1993, each displacing about 2,000 tons. They are armed with 76mm guns, Phalanx CIWS, Harpoon missiles, and anti-submarine weapons, and carry a crew of roughly 120 personnel [4, 5]. They can reach speeds up to 27 knots [5].
The Philippines will assess whether the ships’ systems are compatible with its navy’s operational needs and plans to build the necessary support infrastructure such as docks and logistics for maintenance [2, 3, 5]. The transfer aims to enhance Philippine maritime defense amid regional security challenges, including tensions with China [2, 4, 5].
Japan and the Philippines have recently strengthened their security ties through mutual access agreements and joint military exercises [2, 3, 4, 5]. Teodoro said, “Administrative details are being finalized, but it’s already a done deal. The transfer of five Abukuma-class ships is a symbol of goodwill” [1].
The ships will retire from JMSDF service and the handover is planned to start in April 2027 with completion expected by 2029 at the latest [1, 4, 5].
