The Philippines is set to acquire five soon-to-be-retired Japanese destroyers free of charge under a broad agreement with Japan, as the two countries continue to deepen defense cooperation amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness in the region, News.Az reports, citing Kyodo.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the planned transfer of the Abukuma-class destroyers is a “sign of goodwill” from Tokyo and reflects the strengthening security partnership between the two nations.
“The final administrative details are just being fixed. But it’s already a done deal,” Teodoro told reporters in Manila on Tuesday, adding that the vessels are expected to be delivered within the next few years.
Speaking on Friday, the defense secretary also confirmed that the transfer would come at no cost to the Philippine government.
The agreement follows talks in Tokyo in May, during which the leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed to accelerate discussions on defense equipment transfers after Japan eased its arms export rules to permit shipments of lethal weapons.
The Philippines had previously expressed interest in acquiring at least three ships. Discussions have since focused on Abukuma-class destroyers commissioned in 1989 or later that are expected to be retired during Japan’s fiscal year beginning next April.
Teodoro said Philippine authorities will assess whether the ships’ high-performance autocannons and anti-ship missile systems meet the country’s operational requirements, while also evaluating the vessels’ berthing needs.
Japan has significantly expanded defense support for the Philippines in recent years, including the provision of radar systems. A bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement that entered into force last year has also facilitated joint military exercises and other cooperative activities between the two countries’ armed forces.