Japan May Transfer Defense Equipment, Philippine Navy Accelerates Base and Port Upgrades
The Philippine Navy is accelerating the upgrade of its bases and port facilities in preparation for the potential transfer of defense equipment such as frigates and patrol aircraft from Japan, aiming to modernize its forces and advance its "Sail Plan 2040".
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 19:59
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Hsing-Chien, Manila, 12th) The Philippine Navy is intensifying efforts to upgrade its base and port facilities in preparation for the potential future reception of defense equipment such as frigates and patrol aircraft from Japan.
In April this year, Japan revised its "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its implementation guidelines, relaxing several export restrictions on weapons. During his visit to the Philippines in early May, Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo discussed with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro the early transfer of defense equipment, mainly including Abukuma-class frigates and TC-90 patrol aircraft.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Marissa Martinez stated today at a regular press conference that if the related equipment transfers proceed smoothly, it will help promote the modernization of the Philippine Navy and advance its long-term development blueprint, the "Sail Plan 2040."
Martinez said that while the Philippines has not yet received a formal proposal from Japan, the Navy has already begun upgrading bases and related facilities, such as port dredging, to support larger and more advanced vessels and equipment.
She cited the naval base in Cebu Province in central Philippines as an example, stating that it can now accommodate large warships, including missile frigates and dock landing ships.
Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for South China Sea affairs for the Philippine Navy, said that the Philippine Navy must not only enhance its combat capabilities but also strengthen its logistics support capabilities in the surrounding sea areas.
Trinidad pointed out that under the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept" (CADC), the Philippines is shifting its defense focus from internal security to external defense, meaning the military must extend its defense scope from its homeland to its exclusive economic zone, and even further.
On the other hand, the Philippines, the US, Japan, and several like-minded countries just concluded the "Balikatan" joint military exercise from April 20 to May 8. The Chinese People's Liberation Army had announced combat readiness patrols in the air and sea areas of Scarborough Shoal (called "Huangyan Island" by China), stating they would "effectively respond to various acts of infringement and provocation."
Trinidad confirmed during the press conference, when answering media questions, that they indeed observed "occasional" appearances of Chinese Coast Guard vessels, naval ships, and air force aircraft in the relevant sea areas, but did not find any "synchronized actions that could be considered military exercises."
He added that during the "Balikatan" exercise, the Philippine side did not monitor any intimidating or provocative actions by the Chinese side. (Edited by Tang Sheng-Yang) 1150512
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(Central News Agency reporter Lin Hsing-Chien, Manila, 12th) The Philippine Navy is intensifying efforts to upgrade its base and port facilities in preparation for the potential future reception of defense equipment such as frigates and patrol aircraft from Japan.
In April this year, Japan revised its "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its implementation guidelines, relaxing several export restrictions on weapons. During his visit to the Philippines in early May, Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo discussed with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro the early transfer of defense equipment, mainly including Abukuma-class frigates and TC-90 patrol aircraft.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Marissa Martinez stated today at a regular press conference that if the related equipment transfers proceed smoothly, it will help promote the modernization of the Philippine Navy and advance its long-term development blueprint, the "Sail Plan 2040."
Martinez said that while the Philippines has not yet received a formal proposal from Japan, the Navy has already begun upgrading bases and related facilities, such as port dredging, to support larger and more advanced vessels and equipment.
She cited the naval base in Cebu Province in central Philippines as an example, stating that it can now accommodate large warships, including missile frigates and dock landing ships.
Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for South China Sea affairs for the Philippine Navy, said that the Philippine Navy must not only enhance its combat capabilities but also strengthen its logistics support capabilities in the surrounding sea areas.
Trinidad pointed out that under the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept" (CADC), the Philippines is shifting its defense focus from internal security to external defense, meaning the military must extend its defense scope from its homeland to its exclusive economic zone, and even further.
On the other hand, the Philippines, the US, Japan, and several like-minded countries just concluded the "Balikatan" joint military exercise from April 20 to May 8. The Chinese People's Liberation Army had announced combat readiness patrols in the air and sea areas of Scarborough Shoal (called "Huangyan Island" by China), stating they would "effectively respond to various acts of infringement and provocation."
Trinidad confirmed during the press conference, when answering media questions, that they indeed observed "occasional" appearances of Chinese Coast Guard vessels, naval ships, and air force aircraft in the relevant sea areas, but did not find any "synchronized actions that could be considered military exercises."
He added that during the "Balikatan" exercise, the Philippine side did not monitor any intimidating or provocative actions by the Chinese side. (Edited by Tang Sheng-Yang) 1150512
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The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.