MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday said the government’s decision on acquiring Japan’s Abukuma-class destroyer escorts will depend on their compatibility with the Philippine Navy’s current fleet and potential associated costs.

“I just talked to the Flag-Officer-In-Command (Navy Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta). There was an invitation to inspect. However, the decision process will have to depend on the fit that it will have with our present fleet and how we can integrate them, if ever. So I’ll wait for the report,” Teodoro told reporters.

Speaking after the opening of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) 2025 in Taguig City, Teodoro also said the Department of National Defense (DND) will factor in possible expenses related to the acquisition.

“That will depend on whether we need to spend money for weaponizing it, for interoperability, for secure communication,” he said.

The Japanese warships would add five vessels to the Philippine fleet, in addition to the eight others already in the pipeline—two Malvar-class guided missile frigates and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) under construction in South Korea.

Of the two frigates, the BRP Miguel Malvar was delivered in April and commissioned in May. Its sister ship, the prospective BRP Diego Silang, is expected by September. The six OPVs are scheduled for delivery next year.

“And we are busy building the onshore facilities to support the eight. Nonetheless, the strategic basing initiative is hopefully going to break ground soon because we cannot afford to wait anymore for any other vessels to come without a home,” Teodoro added.

The Philippine Navy earlier confirmed that it is preparing for a “Joint Visual Inspection” of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Abukuma-class ships. Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, these vessels are known for their reliability and versatility, aligning with the Navy’s operational needs.

The Abukuma-class destroyer escort has a displacement of 2,000 gross tons, a length of 109 meters, and a beam of 44 meters. It can reach speeds of up to 27 knots and is equipped with anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine weapons, a 76mm main gun, and a 20mm close-in weapon system.

A delegation of naval experts will assess the ships’ condition and suitability for integration.

“The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the PN’s modernization efforts,” the Philippine Navy said.

Call for trust-based alliances

In his keynote at PALS 2025, Teodoro emphasized the need to strengthen alliances to ensure regional security.

“It is incumbent upon your defense leaders and your heads of state to build as much possible mass in like-minded partnerships, building trust and confidence, and with collective action, collective purpose, and collective resolve, we then deter any unilateral attempt to reshape the world order into a less free one and a less participative one where rights of people are sacrificed,” he said.

Teodoro also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to sovereignty and adherence to international law.

“That is the essence of what Philippine defense diplomacy is, keeping true to the United Nations Charter, keeping true to UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and resisting any attempt by coercion, co-option, or any form of pressure to force the Philippines or any country to renounce their rights freely and fairly,” he said.

Running from July 8 to 10, the 25th PALS brings together senior military leaders from the Indo-Pacific to strengthen regional maritime cooperation. (PNA)