Japan and Philippines Confirm Early Transfer of Abukuma-class Frigates; Koizumi Welcomes New Zealand’s Consideration of the Mogami-class Frigates

Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Koizumi held talks on Sunday in Singapore with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. The two sides confirmed that Japan will swiftly export an Abukuma-class frigate after its retirement from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and transfer one TC-90 JMSDF trainer aircraft to the Philippines within fiscal year 2027.

According to Kyodo News, the vessel currently under export negotiation with the Philippines is an Abukuma-class frigate commissioned after 1989, expected to be retired around fiscal year 2027 in Japan.

In April this year, the Japanese government revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" and their implementation guidelines, lifting restrictions on exporting weapons with lethal capabilities. The Abukuma-class frigate may become the first case of arms export under the new rules.

The report indicates that the Philippines has also expressed interest in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force's Type 88 anti-ship missile and Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile. After the meeting, Koizumi told reporters, "We will also discuss the possibility of transferring other equipment, including anti-ship missiles."

According to a press release from Japan’s Ministry of Defense, "At the summit on May 28, leaders of both countries unanimously agreed to accelerate consultations between their defense departments regarding the transfer of the Abukuma-class frigates and the TC-90 aircraft. Subsequently, the two ministers reached broad consensus to continue advancing these consultations, aiming to complete the transfer of the frigates as soon as possible after their retirement, and to finalize the transfer of one TC-90 aircraft by fiscal year 2027."

Japan and the Philippines’ defense ministers jointly affirmed that "to realize these transfers, detailed discussions—including Philippine Navy training, maintenance and logistics support, and proper post-transfer management of equipment—should continue comprehensively within working groups, while further advancing broader defense cooperation, including collaboration in information domains." Both ministers agreed to take leadership roles to ensure early, tangible outcomes.

On Saturday, Koizumi held his first trilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk. Japan stated that the three defense ministers "exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their willingness for trilateral cooperation to achieve a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific."

The three defense ministers welcomed the visit of the JMSDF’s most advanced Mogami-class frigate, *Kumano*, to Australia and New Zealand, during which joint exercises and other activities were conducted to strengthen cooperation between the JMSDF and the navies of Australia and New Zealand.

The three defense ministers reiterated that "they will continue enhancing interoperability among Japan, Australia, and New Zealand through joint training and exercises. Ministers unanimously agreed that such trilateral cooperation is beneficial for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific."

It was reported that Koizumi welcomed the New Zealand government’s announcement listing the upgraded Mogami-class frigate as one of the candidate vessels for replacing the ANZAC-class frigates.

Penk noted that New Zealand’s consideration of a replacement frigate remains at an early stage, with recommendations on preferred vessels expected to be presented to the New Zealand Cabinet by end of 2027. Koizumi said that if New Zealand chooses the upgraded Mogami-class frigate, it would help enhance interoperability and interchangeability among the three nations.

Previously, Australia—regarded by Japan as a “quasi-allied country”—had decided to co-develop a new FFM frigate with Japan based on the Mogami-class design.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1866709244675271/

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