Personnel of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) guide an AW159 Agusta Westland Wildcat Helicopter as it lands aboard the Philippine Navy vessel before the start of the Philippine-US-Australia-New Zealand Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on Oct. 29, 2025. The latest exercise reflects the four nations’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and championing a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo courtesy of PAF PAO)
The Philippines has carried out its 12th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, joining forces with the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in a display of unity aimed at defending international law and ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
In a statement on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the exercise underscored the four nations’ shared commitment to maritime cooperation, interoperability, and a rules-based order at sea.
Conducted from October 30 to 31, the MMCA featured a fleet of cutting-edge warships and aircraft, including the US Navy’s destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), Australia’s HMAS Ballarat (FFH155) with its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and New Zealand’s replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A11). The AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), along with its AW159 Wildcat helicopter, C-208 surveillance aircraft, and A-29B Super Tucano close air support planes.
The HMNZS Aotearoa joined operations on the first day before sailing to Manila for a series of defense meetings. This marks the vessel’s second MMCA appearance after joining similar drills in 2024.
New Zealand Commander Robert Welford noted the steady improvement in coordination among the participating forces. “A year ago, we did straightforward maneuvers. This time, we’re doing anti-submarine exercises,” he said aboard the Aotearoa. “The more complex the training, the easier everything becomes.”
Welford also confirmed that Chinese ships were present nearby but downplayed any tensions. “This part of the world is extremely important to New Zealand. We train with our friends here, and if someone finds that provocative, that’s up to them,” he said.
Throughout the two-day activity, participating navies carried out advanced maritime drills such as Rendezvous and Communication Check, Division Tactics, Officer of the Watch maneuvers, Fly-by exercises with the A-29B aircraft, and cross-deck operations using RHIBs. The MMCA also included Anti-Submarine Warfare simulations, Passing Exercises, and Replenishment-at-Sea drills — culminating in a Final Exercise that tested joint operational readiness.
The AFP said the MMCA series, launched in 2024, continues to demonstrate the growing solidarity of like-minded nations in protecting freedom of navigation and the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its own waters.