Foreign Affairs Secretary, Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Kitagawa Katsuro shaking hands after signing on a JPY 4.3-billion grant in Manila on Monday (Nov 9, 2026)
Manuel Mogato | November 11, 2026
MANILA — Japan has agreed to transfer $27 million worth of military equipment, including five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, to strengthen the Philippines’ deterrence capabilities.
The transfer would boost the Philippine Navy’s surface and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities amid raising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
This is the largest military transfer under Tokyo’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which started in 2023 as China flexed its muscle in the region.
In a recent ceremony in Manila, Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Katsuro Kitagawa signed an agreement with Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro to provide defense equipment.
Japan has deepened defense cooperation with the Philippines, expanding cooperation through ship operation, maintenance, and manpower training.
Tokyo also agreed to transfer unspecified coastal surveillance radar systems to the Philippine Navy and several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Philippine Air Force.
It will take two to three years to transfer the military hardware. For instance, the vessels would not be retired until 2027 or 2028. (Also Read: Japan plans to transfer old vessels to the Philippines)
Japan has provided military assistance to “friendly” countries, including the Philippines, which received coastal radars, surveillance aircraft, and high-speed boats.
Tokyo was only providing economic and official development assistance (ODA) before it began the OSA program as China asserts its claims on disputed areas in the South and East China Sea.
A Philippine Navy official said the Philippines might acquire six vessels; the sixth vessel will be reserved for spare parts because Japan stopped producing parts.