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Philippines to Receive Five Japanese Destroyer Escorts by 2029

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 7 2026 Philippines and Japan confirmed transfer of five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, to be delivered in 2028-2029 after refurbishment.
Each 109-m, 2,000-tonne ship carries a 76 mm gun, eight Harpoons and an ASROC launcher but lacks a helicopter deck and air-defence missiles.
The Philippine Navy will build berthing facilities for the 13.4 m beam and cover logistics costs.
Japan keeps export-control compliance, with the deal expanding the fleet amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.

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Story summary

On July 7 2026 Philippines and Japan confirmed transfer of five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, to be delivered in 2028-2029 after refurbishment.
Each 109-m, 2,000-tonne ship carries a 76 mm gun, eight Harpoons and an ASROC launcher but lacks a helicopter deck and air-defence missiles.
The Philippine Navy will build berthing facilities for the 13.4 m beam and cover logistics costs.
Japan keeps export-control compliance, with the deal expanding the fleet amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.