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Japan and Philippines to Discuss Surface-to-Ship Missile Exports
Defense ministers from Japan and the Philippines agreed to begin talks on exporting surface-to-ship missiles. The discussions follow recent joint military exercises and a new bilateral access agreement.
May 31, 6:48 AM·1m read1 source
The Japan TimesAudio version
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Koizumi made the announcement after meeting his counterpart in Singapore. Type-88 surface-to-ship guided missiles used by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force are expected to be considered. The Philippines has shown interest after observing the missiles during the Balikatan exercises held from April to May.
Japan participated in the annual Balikatan drills as an observer since 2012 and joined on a full scale for the first time this year. The expanded role followed the entry into force of the Japan-Philippine reciprocal access agreement in September 2025. The possible transfer is intended to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to respond in its territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
A TC-90 training aircraft is scheduled for delivery within fiscal 2027. Koizumi separately met Singapore’s Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing. The two sides confirmed plans to establish a working group focused on maritime and air cooperation as well as defense industry collaboration.
