Japan to Gift Abukuma-class Frigates to Philippines, Defense Chief Says Delivery Within 2-3 Years

MANILA, July 7 (CNA) -- Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced on Sunday that substantive negotiations for the transfer of five Abukuma-class frigates from Japan to the Philippines have been completed, with only administrative procedures and final details remaining. The delivery is expected within two to three years at the earliest.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Teodoro stated that the transfer of the Abukuma-class frigates has been finalized and only administrative procedures are left.

He described Japan's planned donation of the five Abukuma-class frigates as a "symbol of goodwill."

Regarding the delivery timeline, Teodoro anticipates receiving a relevant report next week, but according to current plans, the five warships "very likely" will be delivered within two to three years.

Teodoro added that the Philippines still needs to confirm if the existing equipment and systems on the vessels meet the requirements of the Philippine Navy and integrate them. If compatibility is high, the delivery and commissioning process could be expedited. Furthermore, the Philippines must simultaneously construct docks and logistical facilities to establish berthing and maintenance capabilities.

The Abukuma-class frigates were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily for anti-submarine warfare with secondary surface attack capabilities. According to earlier media reports in the Philippines, Japan will provide the Abukuma-class frigates to the Philippines free of charge, but the Philippines may have to bear the costs for hull repairs and the updating of electronic equipment and weapon systems.

Based on common maritime threats, Japan and the Philippines have been continuously deepening their security cooperation in recent years. Both countries' legislatures have ratified the "Reciprocal Access Agreement" (RAA), which simplifies procedures for troops to enter each other's territory for joint military exercises and defense cooperation activities.

In addition, the Japanese government has been providing maritime defense equipment, radar, and patrol aircraft to enhance the Philippines' maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Meanwhile, in response to the Chinese People's Liberation Army's test firing of a submarine-launched missile with a training dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean on the 6th, Teodoro criticized that China, not being a South Pacific nation, has no legitimate reason to conduct missile tests in the area, calling it an "unnecessary show of force."

Teodoro believes that China's demonstration of forward deployment capabilities poses a potential threat to the region and has caused concern among like-minded countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

He pointed out that although the missile test location was not within Philippine waters, the Philippines, as a Pacific nation, should join the international community in speaking out. (Edited by Tang Sheng-yang) 0707

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