Japan Considers Exporting Type 88 Anti-Ship Missiles to the Philippines

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TOKYO – The Japanese government is considering exporting surface-to-ship Type 88 anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines, according to sources familiar with the matter, on Friday (15/6/2026). 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.

The move follows a revision made by Tokyo in April 2026, to the three principles of defense equipment and technology transfer and its implementing guidelines, which eased restrictions on the export of lethal weapons. Meanwhile, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters on Friday (15/5/2026) that “no decision has been made at this time” regarding the possible export of the missiles.

Referring to the agreement on enhanced cooperation on defense equipment and technology reached in Manila on May 5, 2026. This followed a meeting between Koizumi and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro. Koizumi stated his intention to decide what equipment would be exported to the Philippines.