The Philippines and Japan formalized plans to strengthen defense cooperation during a ministerial meeting in Makati City, including discussions on the possible transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 patrol aircraft.
The agreement, signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, establishes a working group to handle negotiations and technical coordination.
Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation on training, maintenance, and defense technology under Japan’s revised arms transfer policy.
The deal builds on existing defense pacts such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which support joint military exercises like Balikatan.
Officials said the move aims to strengthen interoperability and regional security amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 6, 2026
JAPAN TO DISCUSS TRANSFER OF DESTROYERS, TC-90 AIRCRAFT TO PHILIPPINES
Latest from News
Youth and student groups marched to the EDSA Shrine to demand an end to corruption and
Newly installed National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) head Manny Pacquiao is pushing for satellite offices in every
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said a five-year community-based solid waste management program cut waste
A message sent through an airline’s chatbot triggered a bomb threat alert at Ninoy Aquino International
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the 29.9-percent increase in palay farmgate prices in August could