The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring Japan's older Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles. This potential transfer is sparking debate, particularly as Japan retires the system for a more advanced successor.

Japan’s Type 88 surface-to-ship missile entered service decades ago and is already being retired in favour of a more capable successor, yet the prospect of Tokyo transferring the ageing system to the Philippines has stirred a debate that reaches far beyond its modest specifications. Manila expressed interest in acquiring the Type 88 around the same time as Japanese forces were demonstrating the missile’s firepower at joint drills with American and Philippine troops, according to Tokyo-based...