The Philippine Navy is dispatching a team of experts to Japan next month for a joint visual inspection (JVI) to determine the operational viability of six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts before their “possible transfer” from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

In a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the inspection team will include surface warfare officers, systems engineers, logistics personnel, financial analysts, and naval logistics specialists.

The two-week evaluation will assess whether the warships are compatible with the current Philippine fleet and capable of supporting ongoing maritime defense efforts.

“The objective of the JVI is to determine the operational viability of the transfer,” Alcos told reporters.

Upon completion, the Navy will submit its findings and recommendations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND).

The joint inspection follows an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defense and will cover destroyer escorts designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare operations.

Known for their reliability and versatility, Alcos said the Abukuma-class vessels could significantly enhance the Philippines’ maritime defense posture.

He added that the ships are comparable in size and performance to the Navy’s existing Jose Rizal-class frigates and align with the service’s broader modernization goals under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

“These destroyer escorts also have specific capabilities that we require—anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, and anti-air warfare,” Alcos noted. “This is one of the capabilities that the Philippine Navy intends to enhance. Their acquisition would greatly enhance the Navy’s capability.”

Alcos also emphasized Japan’s role as a strong strategic partner. “We have a strong alliance with Japan, and I do not think they would offer these particular assets if they would not significantly enhance our capabilities,” he said.

When asked if the Japanese vessels would be deployed in the disputed West Philippine Sea upon arrival in Manila, Alcos explained the Navy takes a holistic view when deploying assets.

“We deploy assets based on their capabilities,” he said. “We look at the broader picture such as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. It sees the Philippines as a whole. So it's not specifically focused on one area in our jurisdiction. Of course, that would include the West Philippine Sea, the Sulu Sea, and even the northern seas,” he added.