Tokyo, Manila advance potential transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers

A file image of an Abukuma-class vessel, which is being considered for transfer to the Philippine Navy. (JMSDF)

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to advance discussions on the transfer of ex-Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Abukuma-class destroyers to Manila, according to a joint statement issued by both countries' defence ministers on 5 May.

The agreement forms part of a broader push to deepen defence equipment co-operation, and it will include the transfer of further TC-90 aircraft and other support arrangements.

In addition to the transfer of these systems, the statement noted that both Tokyo and Manila would conduct discussions “aimed at realising comprehensive equipment co-operation” under Japan's revised defence export framework.

While it was not explicitly mentioned in the statement, the co-operation is understood to refer to the potential exports of more military equipment from Japan for use by various services of the Philippine Armed Forces.

As previously reported by Janes in July 2025, the Philippine Navy had been invited by Tokyo to conduct a visual inspection of the vessels, with a delegation of experts tasked to assess their suitability for transfer.

The Abukuma class comprises six frigates, referred to by Japan as destroyer escorts, that were commissioned into the JMSDF service between 1989 and 1993.

Each vessel displaces about 2,500 tonnes at full load, with an overall length of 109 m and a beam of 13.4 m, and accommodates a crew of around 120 personnel, according to information previously disclosed by the Philippine Navy.

Powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine arrangement, the ships can reach speeds of up to 27 kt.