The Philippines and Japan are moving closer to bolstering their defense ties following fresh discussions regarding the potential handover of retired Japanese military assets to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This progress emerged as a key takeaway from bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the 23rd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The meeting forms part of Manila’s broader strategy to fortify security alliances with various Indo-Pacific and European nations.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to fast-track negotiations for the transfer of Japan’s decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts alongside a TC-90 patrol aircraft.
These developments come on the heels of Philippine-Japan relations being elevated to a “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership,” a diplomatic milestone reached during talks between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Following their meeting, the defense chiefs issued a joint statement confirming a broad consensus to prepare for the naval vessel transfers upon their retirement from active Japanese service. They also established a target timeline to deliver one TC-90 aircraft within Japan’s 2027 fiscal year.
To ensure the long-term viability of the hardware, both nations pledged to hold succeeding consultations focusing on personnel training, maintenance procedures, long-term sustainment protocols, and post-turnover asset management.
According to the Department of National Defense (DND), the prospective asset transfer underscores a maturing security alliance aimed at navigating evolving regional security challenges.
Tokyo has steadily solidified its role as a vital defense ally for Manila. This was highlighted in 2024 by the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a landmark pact permitting Filipino and Japanese military forces to hold joint drills and cooperative operations inside each other’s territories. The accord stands as Japan’s inaugural reciprocal military access treaty in Asia, and only its third worldwide following similar pacts with Australia and the United Kingdom.
During the dialogue, Koizumi reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to broadening defense ties under the enhanced bilateral framework.
Teodoro echoed these sentiments, stressing the value of continuous collaboration and tight-knit coordination rooted in mutual trust and a shared commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific “free and open.”
The defense ministers also lauded the strides made by a specialized bilateral working group.
Composed of policy, operational, and technical experts from both countries, the panel is responsible for streamlining cooperation under the new framework dictating defense equipment transfers—specifically the proposed integration of the TC-90 aircraft and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts.