The Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Ise, one of the largest in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), docked at the Port of Manila on Saturday as part of its Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025.
Welcomed with full honors by the Philippine Navy Band, the arrival of the Hyuga-class vessel highlighted growing defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, especially under the newly implemented Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in July 2024.
The JS Ise, boasting a spacious flight deck and state-of-the-art anti-air and anti-submarine systems, was opened for a rare media tour. Onboard was the SH-60K helicopter, emphasizing the warship’s multi-role capability in regional security missions.
Rear Admiral Natsui Takashi, commander of Escort Flotilla 4, emphasized that the port visit contributes to “peace and stability in the region” and supports the goal of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” The RAA now enables full-scale joint exercises between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Alongside JS Ise, the Takanami-class destroyer JS Suzunami also arrived in Manila, underscoring Japan’s strategic presence in the region.
Though Japan stressed its deployment is for peaceful cooperation, the arrival of the ships came a day after the China Coast Guard fired water cannons at a Philippine BFAR vessel near Scarborough Shoal. This incident highlights the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea, where China continues to assert broad territorial claims invalidated by a 2016 international ruling.
Responding to concerns over regional tensions, Rear Adm. Takashi said JMSDF is closely monitoring Chinese military activities and is committed to surveillance and regional security efforts grounded in international law.