Koizumi, Philippine defense chief agree in principle on Abukuma-class export

2026-05-31

Export talks advance

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro in Singapore on the 31st, and the two sides broadly agreed to move quickly on exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Abukuma-class destroyers.

Koizumi and Teodoro also met in Manila on the 5th and exchanged views again this time. They also aim to export one TC90 training aircraft by fiscal 2027. After the meeting, Koizumi told reporters that Japan will 'contribute further to peace and stability in the region.'

Philippine demand and security

Ninety percent of the Philippines' owned vessels are for surveillance and monitoring, and strengthening combat capability has become an issue. Japanese destroyers are expected to help supplement the Philippine navy's force. The Abukuma class can fire torpedoes and missiles at submarines and ships, and is seen as contributing to enhanced capabilities.

China has advanced into the South China Sea and claims jurisdiction based on its own boundary line, which it calls the Nine-Dash Line. There have also been cases in which vessels from China's coast guard have obstructed the navigation of Philippine ships.

Working-level talks and equipment exports

Japan and the Philippines will work out details in working-level talks toward concluding an export contract. Training and instruction from the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Philippine navy, as well as how to manage the destroyers, will also be discussed.

The two also agreed to discuss whether missiles can be exported, with the Ground Self-Defense Force's Type 88 surface-to-ship guided missile in mind. The missile was used in live-fire training by Ground Self-Defense Force personnel who took part in the large-scale joint exercise Balikatan, co-hosted by the US and Philippine militaries in April and May.

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