Philippines Department of National Defense Welcomes Japan's Lifting of Arms Export Principles
The Philippine Department of National Defense issued a statement welcoming Japan's easing of restrictions on defense equipment exports. This is expected to enhance regional security and deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 17:50
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Manila, April 21 (CNA) - The Philippine government today welcomed Japan's relaxation of its long-standing restrictions on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, believing the move will help enhance regional security and deepen bilateral defense relations.
Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro issued a statement today saying the Department of National Defense welcomes the outcome of Japan's revision of the 'Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment' and their operational guidelines.
Teodoro pointed out that the revision will facilitate the Philippines' acquisition of top-quality defense equipment with excellent logistical support, which will not only strengthen the Philippines' domestic resilience but also contribute to regional stability by enhancing its external deterrence capabilities.
This revision marks a major shift in Japan's post-war security policy.
Under the new rules, Japan has lifted the previous restrictions limited to five types of use: rescue, transportation, alert, surveillance, and minesweeping. It now allows the export of 'weapons' as defined by the 'Self-Defense Forces Act,' which are equipment with the ability to kill enemies or destroy objects. However, such cases must be judged by a four-minister meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) attended by the Prime Minister.
Currently, Japan can only transfer related equipment to 17 countries with which it has defense equipment and technology transfer agreements, and the Philippines is one of them. Philippine media have reported that the Philippine Department of National Defense is considering acquiring the retiring Abukuma-class frigates from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Teodoro stated that the PH-Japan defense partnership has entered a 'new era' of collaboration with like-minded partners, upholding individual and collective rights under international law through principled initiatives and deterrence capabilities.
Japan launched the 'Official Security Assistance' (OSA) framework in April 2023, with the Philippines being one of the first beneficiaries. Teodoro also expressed his gratitude for this.
'We are grateful for Japan’s provision of OSA and for its assistance during natural calamities in the Philippines. We shall continue to pursue this fruitful and impactful partnership and secure our shared objectives in innovative and proactive ways in the years to come,' the statement read.
The Philippines and the United States are currently conducting their annual 'Balikatan' large-scale joint military exercises. This year, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are officially participating for the first time. They are scheduled to use Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles to sink a decommissioned target ship off the northern coast of the Philippines. Japanese Defense Minister Jukio Koizumi is expected to be present to observe.
Teodoro said he looks forward to meeting with Koizumi to discuss mechanisms to build a solid alliance. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150421
Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro issued a statement today saying the Department of National Defense welcomes the outcome of Japan's revision of the 'Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment' and their operational guidelines.
Teodoro pointed out that the revision will facilitate the Philippines' acquisition of top-quality defense equipment with excellent logistical support, which will not only strengthen the Philippines' domestic resilience but also contribute to regional stability by enhancing its external deterrence capabilities.
This revision marks a major shift in Japan's post-war security policy.
Under the new rules, Japan has lifted the previous restrictions limited to five types of use: rescue, transportation, alert, surveillance, and minesweeping. It now allows the export of 'weapons' as defined by the 'Self-Defense Forces Act,' which are equipment with the ability to kill enemies or destroy objects. However, such cases must be judged by a four-minister meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) attended by the Prime Minister.
Currently, Japan can only transfer related equipment to 17 countries with which it has defense equipment and technology transfer agreements, and the Philippines is one of them. Philippine media have reported that the Philippine Department of National Defense is considering acquiring the retiring Abukuma-class frigates from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Teodoro stated that the PH-Japan defense partnership has entered a 'new era' of collaboration with like-minded partners, upholding individual and collective rights under international law through principled initiatives and deterrence capabilities.
Japan launched the 'Official Security Assistance' (OSA) framework in April 2023, with the Philippines being one of the first beneficiaries. Teodoro also expressed his gratitude for this.
'We are grateful for Japan’s provision of OSA and for its assistance during natural calamities in the Philippines. We shall continue to pursue this fruitful and impactful partnership and secure our shared objectives in innovative and proactive ways in the years to come,' the statement read.
The Philippines and the United States are currently conducting their annual 'Balikatan' large-scale joint military exercises. This year, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are officially participating for the first time. They are scheduled to use Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles to sink a decommissioned target ship off the northern coast of the Philippines. Japanese Defense Minister Jukio Koizumi is expected to be present to observe.
Teodoro said he looks forward to meeting with Koizumi to discuss mechanisms to build a solid alliance. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150421