Reference News Network August 15 report, according to Kyodo News August 13 report, it is understood that the Japanese government is considering expanding the export of used "Abukuma"-class destroyers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. In addition to the previously confirmed export to the Philippines, there are also proposals for exports to Indonesia and Vietnam. The move aims to strengthen security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries located at maritime traffic chokepoints.
The Japanese defense equipment transfer principles allow the export of combat-capable destroyers under the conditions of "joint development and production." The government plans to reclassify the used ships as joint development products by upgrading their specifications, but this move may also cause controversy.
According to the Ministry of Defense, six "Abukuma"-class destroyers were commissioned between 1989 and 1993. Given the shortage of personnel in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Ministry is planning to gradually retire these vessels and replace them with new destroyers that require fewer personnel.
The 2022 "Defense Capacity Readiness Plan" clearly states that "ships that have been in service for many years and have reached the limit of scalability" should be retired early. The plan also mentions exploring the "transfer of retired equipment to like-minded countries."
Japan places great importance on its relationship with Indonesia, a major country in ASEAN. At the January meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, both sides agreed to establish a practical personnel consultation mechanism to strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime security. (Translated by Liu Jieqiu)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538623827778912802/
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