A: Hey there! Have you heard any news lately?
B: Not really, what's up?

A: So, I just read that the Philippine Navy is planning to send experts next month to check out some destroyer escorts Japan is retiring.
B: Really?! And where are these destroyers from?

A: They're from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. It seems they have the anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities that the Philippine Navy needs!
B: Wow, that sounds useful. I wonder if they'll get them.

A: Well, it's not the first time Japan has helped out – they've already given 12 patrol ships and some air surveillance radar systems. But this would be a more lethal equipment like destroyer escorts.
B: Oh, I see! Have they decided yet?

A: Not yet, but a spokesperson said it would greatly improve their defense concept if they get them. They've got a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, so it could really help them out.
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The Philippine Navy says it will send experts to Japan next month to explore acquiring destroyer escorts set to be retired by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.



The navy told reporters in the capital, Manila, on Tuesday that the team will inspect Abukuma-class destroyer escorts during the upcoming visit.



The navy says these vessels have the anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities it requires.



So far, Japan has provided 12 patrol ships to the Philippines. Air surveillance radar systems have also been exported from Japan, based on its three principles on defense equipment transfers.



But the country has yet to transfer highly lethal equipment such as destroyer escorts.



A spokesperson for the Philippine Navy said the acquisition or the possible transfer of the destroyer escorts would greatly enhance the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept."



The Philippines has a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.