Japan is considering the early transfer of military equipment, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft, to the Philippines following a major overhaul of its defence export rules.

Speaking during a visit to Manila, Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Tokyo and Manila had agreed to expand cooperation under a new framework for the transfer of defence technology.

Agreement in Principle Reached

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed that both sides had agreed in principle on the transfer of defence equipment, with discussions now focused on operational and policy details.

While no timeline has been announced, the two countries have decided to set up a working group to finalise the terms and requirements for the eventual transfer.

Strategic Context in the Region

The move comes as both Japan and the Philippines deepen security ties amid rising regional tensions.

Both countries are close allies of the United States and face ongoing maritime disputes with China, Japan in the East China Sea and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The planned transfers signal Tokyo’s growing willingness to play a more active security role in the Indo-Pacific.

(with inputs from Reuters)