Japan’s used destroyers: a game-changer for Philippines security?
Factors such as maintenance costs and system upgrades will determine the true value of the Abukuma-class vessels’ transfer, analysts say
The Philippines has confirmed it is preparing to dispatch a team to Japan for a visual inspection of the six warships, which were set to be decommissioned, following an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defence.
“This planned inspection forms part of exploratory discussions on the possible transfer of these naval assets,” said Captain John Percie Alcos, director of the navy’s public affairs office. He described the vessels as being “known for their reliability and versatility” and said their capabilities aligned with the navy’s operational requirements “in protecting the country’s maritime domains”.
“This is an important test bed for how Japan transfers capability to a regional partner,” said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in East Asia at King’s College London.
