The Philippines is planning to acquire five decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The decision, verified by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., falls under a cooperative security framework signed between Manila and Tokyo in 2023.
That arrangement includes separate contracts for radar systems and other defense equipment for the Philippines.
Before entering service, the Philippine military will assess the fleet’s condition to identify potential integration with its existing naval capabilities.
Manila also plans to construct new berthing and docking facilities to support the incoming vessels as well as other warships in future acquisitions.
Teodoro noted that the transfer of the Abukuma platforms will be facilitated within “two to three years.”
“Administrative details are being finalized but it’s already a done deal,” Teodoro said.
The Abukuma Destroyer Escort
The Abukuma-class system was built in the 1980s to provide the Japanese Navy with a stealth-capable platform against evolving threats.
It spans 357 feet (109 meters) long, has a beam of 44 feet (13 meters), and can accommodate up to 120 sailors.
The vessel is equipped with multiple sensors for navigation, fire control, electronic warfare, and surveillance, while its lethality relies on anti-ship missiles, a 75mm naval gun, a 20mm remote turret, torpedo tubes, and mortar launchers.
In the theater, the ship can sail at 27 knots (31 miles/50 kilometers per hour) using two Kawasaki-RR SM1A gas turbines with 26,650 horsepower and a twin Mitsubishi S12U MTK diesel engine with 6,000 horsepower.
The Abukuma is now being replaced by the Mogami-class frigate, a larger surface combatant capable of air defense, anti-submarine, and land attack missions.
