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Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China, Yomiuri reports
By Reuters
July 6, 20256:15 AM GMT+1Updated 5 hours ago

TOKYO, July 6 (Reuters) - Japan will export used navy destroyers to the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence against China's maritime expansion, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, as the two U.S. allies increase cooperation to counter Beijing.
The export plan involves six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts in service by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than three decades, the Japanese daily said, citing multiple unnamed government sources.

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/japan-export-used-destroyers-philippines-deter-china-yomiuri-reports-2025-07-06/

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The second Miguel Malvar-class frigate for the Philippine Navy, the future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) has departed HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, on its way for its delivery cruise to the Philippines.

The ship is expected to arrive by early next week, and will be given a formal Arrival Ceremony by the Philippine Navy.

The ship was acquired as part of the PN's Corvette Acquisition Project, a Horizon 2 phase priorty project of the RAFPMP.

Original source of video in the link below:

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Asagiri Class Destroyer for Philippines

Both MaxDefense Philippines and several Japanese media outlets have reported that the three Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts to be transferred from Japan to the Philippine Navy will retain most of their onboard systems and equipment.

If these ships do end up being stripped down before transfer, it wouldn’t be an issue since the vessels are being handed over free of charge. However, if the ships arrive with their combat systems and sensors intact, that would be a huge capability boost and a very pleasant surprise for the Philippine Navy.

According to the Philippine Navy leadership, the country might receive three Abukuma-class ships instead of the originally discussed six. Even so, acquiring these vessels with their weapon systems and radars retained would still be a major upgrade in the Navy’s surface warfare capability.

In addition, Japan is also preparing to retire several Asagiri-class destroyers, which opens another opportunity for future transfer or cooperation. The Asagiri-class are far more formidable than the Abukuma-class, featuring enhanced weapon systems, sensors, and helicopter facilities, giving them a true multi-role destroyer capability ideal for blue-water operations something the Philippine Navy could definitely look forward to in the near future.