Japan is coordinating with the "quasi-allied" Philippines to export second-hand frigates.

According to most sources, the Japanese government is coordinating with the Philippines to export second-hand frigates.

A government official said that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is coordinating with the Philippines to export six "Abukuma-class" frigates that are about to be retired, which will be Japan's first export of frigates.

The "Abukuma-class" frigates have strong combat capabilities and are classified as high-kill weapons under Japan's "three principles for the transfer of defense equipment," which restrict exports. The Japanese government limits the export of equipment to five categories: rescue, transportation, surveillance, monitoring, and mine clearance, and does not allow direct exports of high-attack capability frigates. However, if it takes the form of joint development, such as the next-generation fighter jet that Japan is currently jointly developing with the UK and Italy, even high-attack capability equipment can be exported. The Japanese government plans to update equipment such as communication systems according to the needs of the Philippines, change some specifications of the ships, and position them as "joint development" to make the export legal.

On June 1, 2025, Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani, during his visit to Singapore for the 22nd Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue), held a ministerial meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro, and both sides agreed that based on the summit meeting held in April, they would further deepen Japan-Philippines defense cooperation in specific forms, making full use of the "Strategic Utilization Cooperation High-Level Framework" established in February this year.

Additionally, both sides also agreed to promote defense equipment and technology cooperation. It was confirmed in the meeting that there are plans to export second-hand frigates to the Philippines, and the planned vessels are six "Abukuma-class" frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The "Abukuma-class" has been in service for more than 30 years, and due to a shortage of personnel in the Self-Defense Forces, Japan is transitioning to new ships with higher automation, so these old ships will gradually be retired.

Both ministers also agreed to continue maintaining close communication between defense authorities and to strengthen defense cooperation and exchanges.

A senior official of the Japan Self-Defense Forces stated: "Exporting high-attack capability frigates to the Philippines, a country with weaker defense forces, can enhance deterrence against China and serve as a counterbalance."

On April 29, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba visited the Philippines and stated, "Today, Japan and the Philippines have become a near-alliance partnership." Media have introduced the Japan-Philippines relationship using the term "quasi-alliance."

The two heads of state confirmed the policy of signing the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) as soon as possible to promote military information sharing, and reached an agreement to start negotiations on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will allow the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Army to provide supplies and services to each other. This agreement was officially passed in the Japanese Diet on June 6.

Source: rfi

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837009988006984/

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