Japan’s used destroyers: a game-changer for Philippines security?

Professor Alessio Patalano, War and Strategy in East Asia Expert and Research Lead at King’s College London for Security & Defence PLuS, provided commentary in the South China Morning Post on Japan’s proposed transfer of six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippine Navy.

The addition of these warships could reinforce Manila’s role as a security actor in the contested South China Sea, however analysts caution that a careful assessment of maintenance costs, spare parts, system upgrades and the need for trained personnel will be required. “This is an important test bed for how Japan transfers capability to a regional partner,” said Professor Patalano. He noted that the offer underscores Tokyo’s view of the Philippines as an increasingly strategic partner within emerging regional security frameworks such as minilaterals.

He added the transfer would help the Philippine Armed Forces become “increasingly interoperable” with Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, and highlighted the broader strategic picture:

“The Philippines is looking to strengthen its overall presence in these contested waters… This is first and foremost a number game. The [Abukuma]-class will help achieve that. But it is inevitable that it will also allow the Philippine Navy to enhance other areas – notably an [anti-submarine warfare] dimension.”

Other experts featured in the article include Australia-based defence analyst Max Montero, naval affairs researcher Collin Koh, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Manuel Mogato, who each provided perspectives on the ships’ operational life, export restrictions, and regional impact.

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