The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) on July 13 opened the Abukuma-class destroyer escort Oyodo to the media at its berth in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture.
The Japanese and Philippine governments are discussing the possible transfer of ships of this class to the Philippines after they are retired from MSDF service.
The move is being closely watched as a potential first transfer of a retired warship under Japan’s revised defense export rules. In April, Japan relaxed restrictions on arms exports by revising the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology.
The possible transfer is also seen as part of Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation with like-minded countries amid China’s growing maritime presence.
A Compact but Capable Vessel
The Oyodo measures 109 meters in length and 13.4 meters in beam. Although relatively compact compared with other MSDF destroyers, it is equipped with a naval gun, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. According to an MSDF official, it is “a well-balanced ship with excellent stability, well suited for coastal defense missions.”
The Oyodo entered service in 1991 and is approaching the 35-year mark, generally considered the standard service life for naval vessels.
Inside the ship, the passageways are narrow, with exposed piping running throughout. The interior has been carefully maintained, but the ship’s deputy commander noted that “rust on pipes and thinning steel plates are unavoidable as a vessel ages.”
Despite its age, the ship’s key systems—including its main weapons, electronic equipment, and engines—remain fully operational.
“Although it has been in service for many years, its capabilities have not declined. It remains fully capable of carrying out its missions,” he said.
A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force officer explains the rapid-fire gun aboard the Abukuma-class destroyer escort “Oyodo” in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, on July 13. (©Sankei/Taisuke Nanjo)
Built for Efficiency
The Abukuma class also has the advantage of requiring a relatively small crew. The Oyodo can be operated by about 120 personnel, helping address a challenge faced by navies worldwide: reducing manpower requirements.
Its compact size also enables it to access a wider range of ports, making it well suited for an archipelagic nation such as the Philippines, with its thousands of islands and extensive coastline.
On deck, reporters observed the barrel of the ship’s rapid-fire gun elevated at the bow. The weapon can fire up to 80 rounds per minute and is designed to respond quickly to threats, including incoming aircraft and surface targets.
Amid China’s increasingly assertive maritime activities, Japan and the Philippines have expanded defense cooperation in recent years, including joint military exercises in Philippine waters and airspace. The possible transfer of retired MSDF vessels is expected to further deepen security ties between the two countries.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Taisuke Nanjo, The Sankei Shimbun
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