Japan is set to export six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines in a landmark move aimed at countering China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea.
The aging destroyers, in service for over 30 years, will significantly boost the Philippines’ naval capabilities, which currently lack such firepower.
Defense ministers from both nations agreed to the deal in Singapore last month.
Tokyo will frame the upgrades as a joint development project to bypass Japan’s pacifist export rules.
The Philippines will inspect the ships this summer.
This strategic partnership comes amid intensifying maritime tensions, as both Tokyo and Manila face growing challenges from Beijing’s territorial claims. The deal marks a new chapter in Asia-Pacific military realignment and is expected to draw a sharp response from China.
South China Sea Breaking: In a significant escalation of defensive capabilities, Taiwan has officially formed its first combat-ready HIMARS rocket unit. This move is designed to strengthen deterrence against increasing threats and military pressure from China. Taiwan's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, lauded the new unit as a "significant boost" to the island's defensive power, underscoring the strategic importance of this deployment. The soldiers operating these advanced systems have completed specialized training in the United States, highlighting the close military cooperation between Washington and Taipei.
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a game-changer for Taiwan's military. It can fire six 227mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the latter boasting a range of up to 300 kilometers. This impressive range means that key military and strategic targets deep within mainland China's coastal provinces are now potentially within Taiwan's strike capability. Reports suggest that Taiwan may have already acquired these long-range ATACMS missiles, a detail that is sure to alarm military planners in Beijing.
This deployment is part of a larger arms deal with the U.S., with 11 of a total 29 HIMARS systems already delivered. The move aligns with America's broader strategy to build a strong coalition in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing military and economic dominance. While the HIMARS system has proven its devastating effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict, analysts note that China's more advanced air defense systems could pose a greater challenge. The activation of this unit comes as Chinese military aircraft and vessels continue to cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting regular intrusion warnings from Taipei and keeping the region on high alert.
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#China
#HIMARS
#USChinaRelations
#BreakingNews
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#Geopolitics
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#IndoPacific
#ATACMS
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