The decision regarding the acquisition of Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts will depend on several factors, including whether the ships can fit in the country’s current fleet, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Tuesday.

“I just talked to the Flag-Officer-In-Command (Navy Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta). There was an invitation to inspect. However, the decision process will have to depend on the fit that it will have with our present fleet and how we can integrate them, if ever. So I’ll wait for the report,” Teodoro told reporters when asked to comment on the possible transfer of the Japanese naval ships to the Philippine Navy (PN).

Possible expenditures on the Philippine side will also be considered, Teodoro said during the media briefing held after the opening ceremonies of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) 2025 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

“That will depend on whether we need to spend money for weaponizing it, for interoperability, for secure communication,” the Defense chief said.

He also noted that the Japanese warships would be “an additional five vessels when we are still waiting for eight to come,” referring to the two Malvar-class guided missile frigates and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) presently being built in South Korea.

Of the Malvar-class guided frigates, one ship, the BRP Miguel Malvar, was delivered early April and was commissioned on May 21. Its sister ship, the prospective BRP Diego Silang, is expected to be delivered this month or by September this year.

Meanwhile, deliveries for the OPVs are expected next year.

“And we are busy building the onshore facilities to support the eight. Nonetheless, the strategic basing initiative is hopefully going to break ground soon because we cannot afford to wait anymore for any other vessels to come without a home,” Teodoro said.

The Philippine Navy earlier confirmed the “possible transfer” of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, saying it is now undertaking preparatory steps for a “Joint Visual Inspection” of the ships.

Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class destroyer escort is known for its reliability and versatility, which the PN said aligns with its operational requirements in protecting the country’s maritime domains.

The Abukuma-class destroyer escort has a displacement of 2,000 gross tons, length of 109 meters, and a beam of 44 meters. It has a top speed of 27 knots and is armed with various anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes, along with a 76mm main gun and 20mm closed-in weapon system.

A delegation of naval experts from the PN will be dispatched to conduct an in-depth assessment of the ships.

“The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the PN’s modernization efforts,” the PN said.

Trust-based alliances

Meanwhile, in his keynote address at PALS 2025, Teodoro stressed the importance of building trust-based alliances to preserve regional peace and stability amid evolving threats.

“It is incumbent upon your defense leaders and your heads of state to build as much possible mass in like-minded partnerships, building trust and confidence, and with collective action, collective purpose, and collective resolve, we then deter any unilateral attempt to reshape the world order into a less free one and a less participative one where rights of people are sacrificed,” he said.

He also underscored the Philippines’ principled commitment to sovereignty, international law, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

“That is the essence of what Philippine defense diplomacy is, keeping true to the United Nations Charter, keeping true to UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and resisting any attempt by coercion, co-option, or any form of pressure to force the Philippines or any country to renounce their rights freely and fairly,” he said.

Running from July 8 to 10, 2025, the symposium brings together senior Marine Corps officers, naval infantry, and military leaders from allied and partner nations across the Indo-Pacific.

Now on its 25th iteration, PALS continues to serve as an important platform for enhancing personal and professional relationships within the region’s amphibious and maritime community through face-to-face engagements and strategic dialogue. (PNA)