Naval and air assets from the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States successfully conducted the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) off the waters of Zambales from September 2 to 3, strengthening security cooperation among participating nations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MMCA was held in the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales, in the West Philippine Sea.
The exercise deployed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) with an AW-159 “Wildcat” anti-submarine helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s W-3A “Sokol” search-and-rescue helicopter, and a C-208B surveillance platform. Australia sent the HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) and a P-8A “Poseidon,” Canada deployed the HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) and CH-148 “Cyclone,” while the US Indo-Pacific Command sent a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
“(The 10th MMCA underscores) the four nations’ strong defense partnership and shared commitment to advancing maritime security and regional stability,” the AFP said.
Key activities included a photo exercise showcasing naval unity, a vertical replenishment to test at-sea resupply operations, and a personnel exchange via rigid-hulled inflatable boats, allowing Australian and Philippine sailors to share best practices. The exercise also featured anti-submarine warfare drills and a passing exercise to enhance interoperability among forces.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. highlighted the significance of continuous collaboration following recent joint efforts.
“Just days after the successful conclusion of Exercise ‘ALON’, the 10th MMCA reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order. We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” Brawner said.
The MMCA, which began in April 2024, continues to serve as a platform for enhancing maritime cooperation among the Philippines and its allies.