Manila, May 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile during a joint maritime exercise with the United States, Australia, and Philippines on Wednesday, successfully striking a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel in waters facing the South China Sea.
The live-fire drill coincided with ongoing discussions between Tokyo and Manila on a potential defense equipment transfer following Japan’s easing of long-standing restrictions on military exports.
According to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, talks include the possible early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Koizumi witnessed the missile launch on-site, while Ferdinand Marcos Jr. monitored the exercise through a live video feed from military headquarters in Manila, according to the presidential office.
In a statement, the Philippine government said the exercise demonstrated coordinated maritime strike operations among allied forces and underscored the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ growing ability to operate alongside international partners in support of regional security and freedom of navigation.
The Philippine military reported that two volleys of the Type 88 missile were launched, striking the BRP Quezon within six minutes. The target engagement occurred approximately 75 kilometers off the coast of Paoay in northern Philippines.
Expanded Balikatan Exercises
The Philippine Department of National Defense described the Type 88 missile system as a coastal defense platform designed to deter maritime threats.
Defense Secretary Teodoro welcomed the successful exercise, expressing pride over the milestone and stating that future drills would likely expand further in scale and participation.
The missile strike formed part of the annual “Balikatan” military exercises jointly conducted by Manila and Washington. This year’s edition marks the first time that Japan, alongside Canada, France, and New Zealand, participated as active partners, reflecting the Philippines’ growing network of security cooperation.
Earlier on May 2, Philippine and American forces also deployed the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes province near Taiwan amid continuing regional tensions.
More than 17,000 troops are participating in this year’s Balikatan exercises, including approximately 1,400 personnel from Japan and 10,000 from the United States.
Meanwhile, China criticized the military exercises, arguing that such activities contribute to heightened regional tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Tokyo of conducting offensive missile operations overseas under the pretext of security cooperation.
