Philippines Navy Abukuma-class Ordered

The Philippine Defense Secretary announced in Manila on 7 July 2026 that the agreement with Japan for the acquisition of five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts had essentially been finalized. The transfer of used Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels marks one of Japan's most significant warship exports since the Second World War and will substantially bolster the Philippine Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid tensions in the South China Sea. Commissioned between 1989 and 1993, the 2,000-tonne Abukuma class is armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, an ASROC anti-submarine launcher and torpedo tubes. The ships are expected to be refurbished before delivery.