The Philippines and Japan have reached an agreement in principle on a landmark defense logistics deal that will allow the two countries’ armed forces to share resources and support during joint operations.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae confirmed the development on Sunday following her bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.
“We welcomed the fact that an agreement in principle has been reached on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will contribute to strengthening our security cooperation,” she said.
The ACSA provides a legal framework for the exchange of logistical support, including fuel, food, transport, spare parts, and medical services, between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The pact aims to enhance interoperability during joint exercises, training, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian or disaster response operations.
While both governments have yet to announce a signing date, the “agreement in principle” marks another milestone in the expanding defense partnership between Manila and Tokyo. It also follows the recent ratification and implementation of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which was first applied during humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-hit Cebu.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier noted that ACSA would play a crucial role in supporting logistics needs, such as refueling operations for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during its joint exercises with the Philippine Navy.
The new accord is expected to further cement Japan’s role as a key defense and humanitarian partner for the Philippines in maintaining peace, stability, and rapid response capability in the Indo-Pacific region.