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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/

[P44]

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:

[P44]

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.

[Duarte]

Philippines unveils first BrahMos missile battery
The Philippine Marine Corps publicly revealed its first operational BrahMos shore-based missile battery during a ceremony marking the service’s 75th anniversary, underscoring Manila’s continued effort to strengthen coastal defense as tensions persist in the South China Sea.


https://defence-blog.com/philippines-unveils-first-brahmos-missile-battery

[P44]

The 🇵🇭Philippine Navy commissions its latest warship, the Miguel Malvar-class frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) earlier today 02 December 2025, marking the completion of the Corvette Acquisition Project.

The ship was originally designated as a corvette until it was designated a frigate during construction.

Two more frigates, most likely an improved version of the Miguel Malvar-class, are being negotiated between the 🇵🇭DND and 🇰🇷HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and the contract is expected to be signed soon.

📷Pampanga News Now

[Duarte]

Marcos wants more Coast Guard vessels to protect PH’s interests in West PH Sea: Palace

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/15/marcos-wants-more-coast-guard-vessels-to-protect-ph-s-interests-in-west-ph-sea-palace-1725

[P44]

Novo OPV

[P44]

Philippines to acquire 2 new frigates from South Korea’s HD HHI

Published on 22/12/2025
By Frances Mangosing
In News




 
 
 
The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) is preparing to sign a ₱34-billion ($585 million) contract to acquire two new frigates for the Philippine Navy.

A notice of award—formally confirming the selection of a contractor—was issued to South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on Dec. 22, according to Naval News sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The move followed the release of additional modernization funds by the Department of Budget and Management last week.

The upcoming contract adds to a growing list of defense deals between Manila and HD HHI. Over the past five years, the South Korean shipbuilder has delivered four frigates to the Philippine Navy. It is also constructing six offshore patrol vessels, the first of which—the future BRP Rajah Sulayman—is scheduled for delivery in January 2026. Once completed, HD HHI will have built a total of 12 warships for the Philippine Navy.

The Navy’s most modern warships to date, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), were commissioned in 2025, with the latter entering service in early December—just six months after its sister ship. The 2021 contract for the two 3,200-ton frigates was valued at ₱28 billion.

According to sources, the new additional  frigates—estimated at ₱42 billion including weapons—are expected to be based on the Malvar-class or HD HHI’s HDF-3200 design. A DND procurement monitoring report released in July described the planned frigate acquisition as “inventory-based,” suggesting it would be a repeat order. The Malvar-class ships are armed with a 16-cell vertical launching system for VL MICA missiles, eight C-STAR anti-ship missile launchers, a Gökdeniz 35mm close-in weapon system, a 76mm main gun, two triple torpedo launchers, and an advanced AESA radar. The new ships are expected to be delivered in 2029.

The acquisitions form part of the Philippine Navy’s modernization drive aimed at strengthening maritime security and narrowing capability gaps with regional counterparts. The effort is partly driven by heightened tensions and Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has committed to spending around ₱2 trillion (approximately $35 billion) over the next decade to modernize its armed forces amid increasing regional security challenges.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/12/philippines-to-acquire-2-new-frigates-from-south-koreas-hd-hhi/