Manila: The Philippines is set to enhance its naval capabilities with the acquisition of five "Abukuma"-class destroyers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), as confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. This strategic move is expected to bolster the country's maritime strength significantly.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Teodoro announced the development, stating that while administrative details are still being finalized, the acquisition is essentially a "done deal." The transfer of these general-purpose warships is part of Japan's Official Security Assistance, a new cooperation framework initiated in April 2023. This gesture from the Japanese government also includes agreements on the provision of radars and other military equipment, highlighting the goodwill between the two nations.

The delivery of the ships is anticipated to occur within the next two to three years, following discussions that began last year. Teodoro emphasized the importance of evaluating the "current condition" of the ships to optimize their integration into the Philippine Navy, potentially constructing new berthing or docking facilities to accommodate them. The "Abukuma"-class destroyers, with a displacement of 2,000 gross tons, a length of 109 meters, and a beam of 44 meters, are equipped with advanced weaponry, making them formidable assets for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare.

In a related development, Teodoro criticized China's recent launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean, labeling it as "pointless" since China is not a "South Pacific country." He described the action as a provocative demonstration of military might, suggesting a pattern of aggression by China aimed at showcasing its strength.