Japan to Transfer Six Retired Destroyers Warships to the Philippines to Counter China

In a move that signals a deepening defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific, Japan is preparing to transfer six decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines. The plan, first reported by Japanese media and confirmed by Reuters, marks a significant shift in Japan’s post-WWII defense policy and highlights growing maritime cooperation in the face of China’s expanding presence in contested waters.

The six vessels, previously in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for over three decades, will soon be evaluated by a visiting delegation from the Philippine Navy. The inspection will determine their operational condition and compatibility with the Philippines’ ongoing naval modernization. If deemed suitable, the transfer would represent one of the largest military hardware donations Japan has made in the region.

Technical Details of the Abukuma-Class Destroyer Escorts

Despite their age, the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are still capable maritime assets. Each vessel displaces around 2,000 tons and supports a crew of approximately 120. They are equipped with:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems, including sonar and lightweight torpedoes

• Anti-ship missile systems, typically RGM-84 Harpoon-class missiles

• Oto Melara 76mm naval gun, for surface engagements and aerial defense

• Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) on later units for point defense

These warships are optimized for escort and patrol missions, particularly against submarine threats—making them a valuable addition for the Philippines, which has limited capabilities in undersea warfare.

Currently, the Philippine Navy operates a small fleet of frigates and corvettes, many of them less capable in range, endurance, and armament than destroyers. The inclusion of these vessels, though older, could drastically improve Manila’s maritime posture, particularly in the West Philippine Sea where tensions with Beijing remain high.

Strategic and Diplomatic Context

Japan’s plan to categorize this transfer as a joint development project—rather than a direct military export—is aimed at avoiding conflict with its pacifist constitution, which restricts arms exports. By framing it as defense cooperation, Tokyo can legally and diplomatically support its partners in Southeast Asia without breaching constitutional limitations.

The move also aligns with recent trilateral efforts among Japan, the Philippines, and the United States to bolster regional security. In June 2024, the leaders of all three nations held their first-ever trilateral summit in Washington, focusing heavily on military cooperation, freedom of navigation, and joint deterrence strategies against China's aggressive actions in the South and East China Seas.

This is not the first step in the growing Japan-Philippines defense relationship. In July 2023, the Philippine Senate ratified a landmark defense agreement allowing Japanese troops to train and operate in Philippine territory. The pact laid the groundwork for deeper operational integration between the two militaries.

A Message to Beijing

Although not officially framed as an anti-China move, the strategic implications are clear. Both Japan and the Philippines have active maritime disputes with China. Japan faces frequent incursions around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, while the Philippines continues to confront Chinese maritime militias and coast guard vessels near its claimed features in the South China Sea.

By equipping the Philippines with larger and more capable warships, Japan is effectively helping its Southeast Asian partner project more power in disputed waters. The ships would enhance Manila’s ability to patrol its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), respond to maritime provocations, and conduct joint operations with allies such as the U.S. and Australia.

If the transfer proceeds following the Philippine Navy’s inspection, it will be a milestone in Indo-Pacific defense cooperation and a symbolic moment for Japan’s expanding role in regional security. The Philippines stands to benefit from a major naval boost without having to bear the full cost of acquisition or development, while Japan affirms its commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”—a vision increasingly shared by like-minded nations facing the growing assertiveness of Beijing.