Why Japan's Decommissioned Navy Destroyers Are Being Eyed By Other Countries Now

Key Points:

• Japan has relaxed its 80-year-old arms export restrictions as of April 21, 2026, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to 17 allied nations with defense agreements, including the US and several European and Asian countries.
• Despite the policy change, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that Japan's core commitment to peace remains unchanged, with strict evaluations on arms transfers, especially avoiding sales to countries involved in active conflicts.
• Japan is phasing out its six Abukuma-class escort destroyers, which are designed for coastal defense, and at least one allied nation—likely the Philippines—has expressed interest in acquiring these vessels to bolster maritime security amid regional tensions with China.
• The Philippines and Japan have a history of defense cooperation, including a 2025 agreement for six used destroyers and previous provision of 12 patrol vessels, aimed at countering China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea.
• The Abukuma-class destroyers, crewed by about 120 personnel and equipped with advanced weaponry like the Phalanx CIWS and Type 90 missiles, will enhance the Philippine Coast Guard's capabilities to protect coastal waters and sea lanes.