09-07-2025
Philippine Navy to check Japanese destroyer escorts
The Philippine Navy says it will send experts to Japan next month to explore acquiring destroyer escorts set to be retired by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The navy told reporters in the capital, Manila, on Tuesday that the team will inspect Abukuma-class destroyer escorts during the upcoming visit.
The navy says these vessels have the anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities it requires.
So far, Japan has provided 12 patrol ships to the Philippines. Air surveillance radar systems have also been exported from Japan, based on its three principles on defense equipment transfers.
But the country has yet to transfer highly lethal equipment such as destroyer escorts.
A spokesperson for the Philippine Navy said the acquisition or the possible transfer of the destroyer escorts would greatly enhance the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept."
The Philippines has a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
