Japan to transfer retired naval vessels to Southeast Asia

27 Apr 2026, 00:35 · UPI

April 26 (Asia Today) -- Japan is considering transferring decommissioned naval vessels, including destroyers and submarines, to Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, either free of charge or at low cost, according to a media report Sunday.

The plan would repurpose equipment that would otherwise be stored or dismantled, using it to strengthen the naval capabilities of frontline states countering China's maritime expansion. As Beijing increases its activities in the South China Sea and East China Sea, Tokyo appears to be widening its regional security network by leveraging retired assets.

Japan is reviewing revisions to its legal framework to allow such transfers. According to Yomiuri Shimbun, the government is considering amending the Self-Defense Forces Law to permit the transfer of weapons with lethal capabilities at little or no cost under special provisions.

The Japanese government plans to include the initiative in its updated national security strategy and related defense documents later this year, with the goal of submitting legal revisions to parliament next year. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to visit the Philippines and Indonesia during Japan's early May holiday period to discuss exports of used equipment.

Under current Japanese law, such transfers face significant constraints. Defense equipment, even when decommissioned, is treated as state property under fiscal law, making free or low-cost transfers difficult. Existing provisions allow discounted transfers only for non-lethal items such as helmets, excluding warships, submarines, weapons and ammunition.

The move follows Japan's recent revision of its "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment," which expanded the scope of allowable exports. Officials say the updated policy emphasizes strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of allies and partners, while also supporting Japan's domestic defense industrial base.

The Philippines is reportedly considering acquiring Abukuma-class destroyer escort vessels that have been in service for more than 30 years. If completed, it would mark Japan's first export of used destroyers.

Indonesia has also expressed interest in secondhand Oyashio-class submarine units, according to the report. However, many Southeast Asian countries lack the financial capacity to purchase even used military equipment, increasing pressure for legal changes to enable free or low-cost transfers.

For South Korea, the development introduces a new competitive factor. Japan is not only exporting weapons but also building broader security partnerships by combining equipment transfers with maintenance, training and interoperability programs.

While Seoul is also expanding defense exports and maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia, Tokyo's approach suggests a strategy of deepening influence through integrated security support. This could lead to competition between the two U.S. allies in regional defense markets, even as both align in countering China.

Analysts say the legal review marks another turning point in Japan's security policy. Having already eased restrictions to become a more active arms exporter, Japan now appears to be moving toward directly strengthening partner militaries through the provision of used defense assets.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260426010008080

Japan to transfer retired naval vessels to Southeast Asia

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