Japan’s defence minister says Tokyo plans early transfer of warships, aircraft to Manila

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to set up a working group on defense equipment and technology cooperation, with talks now including the possible transfer of used Japanese warships and aircraft to Manila.

Japan's defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi met Philippine defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Manila on May 5. Reporting from Reuters and AP said the two sides discussed an early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft, though no timetable or final number of vessels has been set.

The move would mark a deeper phase in Japan's defense ties with the Philippines as both countries respond to growing security concerns in the region. The talks also come after Japan revised its defense equipment transfer rules in 2026, creating a framework that is now starting to produce concrete cooperation.

AP reported that the two governments agreed to begin negotiations on a weapons transfer pact, while Japanese and Philippine officials said the discussions remain under negotiation. The working group is expected to handle the next stage of the talks.

What is still unclear is how many destroyers might be transferred, whether any deal would be a sale or a donation, and whether the TC-90 aircraft will be included in the final package.