Japan Considers Exporting Anti-Ship Missiles to the Philippines

Tokyo (ANTARA) - The Japanese government is considering exporting Type 88 surface-to-ship missile systems to the Philippines, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The move follows Tokyo’s revision in April of the three principles on defence equipment and technology transfer, as well as its implementation guidelines, which eased restrictions on the export of lethal weapons.

Japan and the Philippines are working to strengthen security ties amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters on Friday that “no decision has been made at this time” regarding the possible export of the missiles.

Referring to the agreement on enhanced defence equipment and technology cooperation reached in Manila on May 5 with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, Koizumi stated his intention to decide on the equipment to be exported.

On May 6, the Japan Self-Defence Forces conducted a live-fire exercise using the Type 88 missile system during the annual Balikatan exercise between the United States and the Philippines in the Philippines.

Japan and the Philippines are also in intensive discussions regarding the export of decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyers.

Japan is also considering exporting the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile system, also known as Chu-SAM, which is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defence Forces.

Source: Kyodo-OANA