By – Chen Chuanren – October 10, 2025
The Philippine Navy (PN) is reportedly seeking to acquire three of six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that Japan is planning to decommission. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will gradually retire the type as it introduces Mogami-class frigates.
According to Philippine Daily Inquirer, the PN’s Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta had said a proposal has been submitted to the Department of National Defense (DND) following an inspection of the vessels in August.
Ezpeleta made the remarks during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed defence budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
He noted, however, that Tokyo is yet to confirm whether it will approve the transfer, citing Japan’s stringent post-war arms export and transfer restrictions. Should a handover proceed, the destroyer escorts’ weapon systems would be removed prior to delivery, in line with Japanese defence export regulations.
“I mean, beggars can’t be choosers – that’s six destroyers. The six may not all be available for us, but if ever, we’d like to get three,” Ezpeleta told lawmakers.
The DND is seeking a proposed budget of approximately PHP295.2 billion (US$5 billion) for the coming fiscal year.
This includes funding for the delivery and commissioning of one new Miguel Malvar-class frigate and the first of six Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels. These vessels comprise part of the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines modernisation programme.
Although more than 30 years old, the 2,550-tonne Abukuma-class warships would represent a significant boost in surface warfare capability for the PN, as they would strengthen the country’s presence in the contested South China Sea.
The Philippines has a history of defence cooperation with Japan, having previously received five retired Beechcraft TC-90 surveillance aircraft, and procured three fixed long-range air surveillance radars and one mobile radar from Mitsubishi Electric under Japan’s Official Security Assistance framework.
The potential destroyer escort transfer, if approved, would mark a further deepening of the growing maritime security partnership between the two nations.
by Chen Chuanren