NHK has learned that officials from the Philippine Navy visited Japan this month to inspect a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer escort.
The Philippine Navy is considering acquiring destroyer escorts set to be retired by the MSDF. Sources say the officials visited the MSDF's Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture to inspect the Jintsuu, an Abukuma-class ship.
Abukuma-class vessels are 109 meters long and have a standard displacement of 2,000 tons. They are equipped with anti-ship missiles.
Japan's Defense Ministry plans to retire all six of the MSDF's vessels of this type and introduce more manpower-efficient ships.
The Phillippine Navy says Abukuma-class ships are suitable for operations in the country's waters.
Sources say the Japanese side is also working to realize the plan. The move is seen as aimed at strengthening cooperation, with China in mind.
Japan's three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology restrict the export of lethal weapons. But they allow exports in cases of joint development and production with other nations.
Japan's Defense Ministry says it is studying whether the plan is consistent with these principles.
Earlier this month, the Australian government selected a Japanese joint development proposal based on the MSDF's Mogami-class frigate.
----------------
Quiz 1:
What type of ships is the Philippine Navy considering acquiring from Japan?
A. Submarines
B. Destroyer escorts set to be retired by the MSDF
C. Aircraft carriers
D. Cruisers
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2:
How many Abukuma-class vessels does the MSDF have?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: D
Quiz 3:
Which of the following is a reason for Japan's Defense Ministry to consider joint development and production of defense equipment with other nations?
A. To increase the sale of weapons internationally
B. To strengthen cooperation with other countries, especially China
C. To reduce the cost of weapon production
D. To allow the export of lethal weapons without restrictions
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: B
The Philippine Navy is considering acquiring destroyer escorts set to be retired by the MSDF. Sources say the officials visited the MSDF's Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture to inspect the Jintsuu, an Abukuma-class ship.
Abukuma-class vessels are 109 meters long and have a standard displacement of 2,000 tons. They are equipped with anti-ship missiles.
Japan's Defense Ministry plans to retire all six of the MSDF's vessels of this type and introduce more manpower-efficient ships.
The Phillippine Navy says Abukuma-class ships are suitable for operations in the country's waters.
Sources say the Japanese side is also working to realize the plan. The move is seen as aimed at strengthening cooperation, with China in mind.
Japan's three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology restrict the export of lethal weapons. But they allow exports in cases of joint development and production with other nations.
Japan's Defense Ministry says it is studying whether the plan is consistent with these principles.
Earlier this month, the Australian government selected a Japanese joint development proposal based on the MSDF's Mogami-class frigate.
----------------
Quiz 1:
What type of ships is the Philippine Navy considering acquiring from Japan?
A. Submarines
B. Destroyer escorts set to be retired by the MSDF
C. Aircraft carriers
D. Cruisers
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2:
How many Abukuma-class vessels does the MSDF have?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: D
Quiz 3:
Which of the following is a reason for Japan's Defense Ministry to consider joint development and production of defense equipment with other nations?
A. To increase the sale of weapons internationally
B. To strengthen cooperation with other countries, especially China
C. To reduce the cost of weapon production
D. To allow the export of lethal weapons without restrictions
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: B
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Summary
Philippine Navy officials visited Japan to inspect Abukuma-class destroyer escorts set for retirement by the MSDF. The ships, equipped with anti-ship missiles and measuring 109 meters in length, are being considered for acquisition by the Philippines due to their suitability for operations in
Statistics
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ID: c74005ef-bf60-4cf7-a23f-f321dc5fbfbf
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250821_06/
Date: Aug. 21, 2025
Created: 2025/08/21 19:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 02:55
Last Read: 2025/08/21 19:54