Japan is reportedly considering the export of its Type 88 anti-ship missile system to the Philippines following Manila’s interest in acquiring the capability. According to Japanese broadcaster NHK World-Japan, the missiles may be sourced from existing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force inventories as the platform is gradually being retired from active service. The move comes after Tokyo recently relaxed its defense export regulations, permitting military equipment transfers to nations with established security ties. In parallel, Japan has also accelerated plans to provide defense assets to the Philippines, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 maritime patrol aircraft. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries during the late Cold War period, the truck-mounted Type 88 is a subsonic, sea-skimming coastal defense missile system introduced into service in the late 1980s. Operated through mobile launcher vehicles carrying multiple missiles, the system delivers anti-ship strike capabilities comparable to the American Harpoon missile. Japan has since begun replacing the Type 88 with the more advanced Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which offers upgraded navigation, improved targeting accuracy, and significantly greater operational range.
