Japan pushes export of Type 88 anti‑ship missiles to the Philippines

Japan’s defence ministry is evaluating the transfer of its truck‑mounted Type 88 surface‑to‑ship missiles to the Philippines, the first lethal weapons Japan intends to sell after a 2026 overhaul of its export rules. The Type 88, with a range of about 180 km and a 225 kg high‑explosive warhead, would augment Manila’s coastal defence in the South China Sea, complementing recently acquired Indian‑made BrahMos missiles.

The possible sale was highlighted during the Balikatan 2026 joint maritime exercise, where Japanese forces fired the missile at the former vessel BRP Quezon alongside U.S., Australian and Japanese units. Japan has also discussed supplying other assets such as destroyers and patrol aircraft. Beijing has voiced strong displeasure, noting the move amid already strained Japan‑China relations.

The export would draw from existing Japanese stockpiles as the Type 88 is being phased out for the newer Type 12 system. The arrangement marks one of the first tests of Japan’s newly liberalised defence‑export regime, which removed long‑standing restrictions on lethal equipment.