PH Navy to inspect Japanese warships before ‘possible transfer’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Sunday said it would inspect Japan’s Abukuma-class destroyer before its “possible transfer” amid “deepening strategic partnership” of both countries that share common geopolitical threats in the region.

Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said the service branch is undertaking “preparatory steps” for a joint visual inspection of the used warship following an official invitation from the Japan Ministry of Defense.

This update comes as Japanese publication Yomiuri Shimbun reported Sunday that “multiple Japanese government officials” revealed that both Tokyo and Manila have agreed to export the six-used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts.

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However, Alcos said a delegation of naval experts will be dispatched to conduct an in-depth assessment of the warships.

“This planned inspection forms part of exploratory discussions on the possible transfer of these naval assets to the Philippines,” Alcos said in a statement.

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Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are known for their reliability and versatility.

“This initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan,” Alcos said.

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Both nations have agreed to a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which eases restrictions on the movement of personnel and equipment between the two forces to facilitate joint drills and disaster relief operations, among others.

The RAA was approved by the Japanese diet last month, while the Philippine Senate already green lighted the treaty in December last year.

Manila and Tokyo have territorial disputes with Beijing over the maritime features in the West Philippine Sea and Pinnacle (Senkaku) Islands, respectively.

Two of the Philippine Coast Guard’s 97-meter multirole response vessel (MRRV)—BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino — were purchased from Japan, and both of them have been used to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG has since procured another five 97-meter MRRVs from Japan, the first of which are expected to arrive in 2027.

(2025/07/06-22:27)