Manila: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro affirmed that talks will be launched on the export of surface-to-ship missiles from Japan to the Southeast Asian nation. Koizumi revealed this development in discussions with reporters after meeting with the Philippine defense chief earlier in the day.

According to Philippines News Agency, Type-88 surface-to-ship guided missiles of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (SDF) are anticipated to be a candidate for export. The Philippines has shown interest in these missiles, which were utilized by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces during the Balikatan multilateral exercises in Manila between April and May.

The SDF participated in these annual exercises, organized by the United States and the Philippines, as a full-scale participant for the first time this year, following the implementation of the Japan-Philippine reciprocal access agreement in September 2025. The potential acquisition of Type-88 missiles aims to bolster the deterrent and response capabilities of the Philippines amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Additionally, Koizumi announced that Abukuma-class destroyers from Japan's Maritime SDF will be transferred to the Philippines once decommissioned. Furthermore, a TC-90 training aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the Philippines within fiscal 2027.

In a related meeting, Koizumi and Singapore's Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing confirmed plans to establish a working group between Japan and Singapore's defense authorities. This initiative seeks to enhance cooperation in maritime and air domains, defense industries, and technological foundations, following Japan's recent revisions of its defense equipment transfer principles and guidelines.