The Philippines, the United States, and Japan have successfully completed their latest joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), showcasing deepening security ties and enhancing interoperability among the allied forces.
The 13th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), the eighth such drill conducted this year, took place over Friday and Saturday, involving major naval and air assets from all three nations. The exercises are seen as a concerted effort to boost collective defense readiness and underscore the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its sovereign rights in the disputed waters.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed its two modern missile-capable frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), supported by an AW159 helicopter. The US contribution included the powerful Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Japan was represented by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Akebono (DD-108) and a SH-60K Seahawk helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also participated with its vessels, BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cape San Agustin, to enhance maritime domain awareness.
The full suite of drills included communications checks, resupply-at-sea approaches, anti-submarine exercises, maritime domain awareness reporting, cross-deck helicopter landings, formation maneuvers, and a final integrated exercise.
According to an AFP statement, the sustained MMCA series reflects Manila’s commitment to advancing defense cooperation with its trusted partners, particularly in the face of persistent Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels. The military highlighted the continued use of laser-pointing, dangerous blocking maneuvers, and ramming incidents by Chinese vessels against Philippine Coast Guard and resupply boats near Ayungin Shoal.
The trilateral drills follow the historic PH-US-Japan leaders’ summit held in April, where the three nations pledged expanded defense coordination and more joint patrols. The exercises come as the Marcos administration maintains a firmer stance in the WPS, actively publicizing Chinese maneuvers and filing numerous diplomatic protests.
With the Philippines continuing to modernize its fleet and reinforce its presence in the WPS, the AFP indicated that more maritime
activities with international partners are expected in the future. China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims.