(Image provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines)
MANILA – In a significant display of international cooperation, the armed forces of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan executed a joint maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea on Friday. This operation, known as a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), was held within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) highlighted that the MCA underscores a shared dedication to bolstering regional and global collaboration, aiming to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise builds on previous joint efforts, enhancing the coordination and effectiveness of military doctrines, tactics, and procedures among the participating nations.
INDOPACOM emphasized that these activities are conducted in compliance with international law, ensuring the safety of navigation and respecting the rights and interests of other nations. The exercise involved key units such as a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and a C-90 patrol aircraft, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106).
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment, alongside its allies and partners, to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of sea and international airspace, while respecting maritime rights under international law.
The previous MCA on September 28 involved a broader coalition including the Philippines, the U.S., Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, showcasing a wide range of naval assets and capabilities.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines noted that Friday’s MCA, marking the fifth such event this year, featured a series of coordinated operations aimed at improving interoperability and strengthening maritime capabilities. The exercise included a communications check, a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), and a pre-sail conference to synchronize operational goals.
Additionally, photo and division tactics exercises were carried out, focusing on collaborative defense strategies and reinforcing the commitment of the participating forces to regional security and stability. (Philippine News Agency)