The Philippines, the United States, and Australia conducted a joint patrol exercise in the Philippines-claimed area of the South China Sea on the 15th and 16th of February. This marks the first multilateral maritime cooperation event of the year between the Philippines, the United States, and other allies, and it is the 14th such exercise since April 2024, aimed at enhancing collaborative operational capabilities.
The Philippine military announced today that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) completed the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activity (MMCA) in the “West Philippine Sea” on the 15th and 16th.
The “West Philippine Sea” is the Philippines’ term for its claimed area in the South China Sea, covering an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles from the baseline. This area overlaps with the disputed South China Sea claimed by China on the basis of the Nine-Dash Line, leading to longstanding conflicts between the two sides.
During the MMCA, the Philippines deployed missile patrol vessel BRP Diego Silang, AW109 helicopters, FA-50 light fighters, A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, and the Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The Australian Defence Force contributed the long-range escort vessel HMAS Toowoomba equipped with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while the U.S. sent the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
The exercises included communication drills, maritime situational awareness, tactical maneuvers, photography exercises, at-sea replenishment, real-time reviews, and other activities to consolidate operational experiences among the three parties for future joint operations.
The Philippine military stated that this was the 14th joint patrol exercise since April 2024, demonstrating the commitment of all participants to enhancing collaborative operational capabilities, improving regional maritime security, and upholding the commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight.
Since November 2023, the Philippines has been conducting Maritime Cooperation Activities (MCA) joint patrols with the United States, expanded into the Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activity in April 2024, inviting countries like Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to participate.
Amid ongoing tensions with China over South China Sea issues, alliances with like-minded countries and conducting multilateral joint operations are part of the Philippines’ strategy against China.
Furthermore, the Philippine Department of National Defense recently renewed the “Cooperation in the Field of Defense” agreement with Italy, describing it as an important concrete step to enhance bilateral defense relations and promote practical cooperation.
The Philippine Department of National Defense emphasized the importance of European partners’ involvement in Indo-Pacific affairs, looking forward to continued cooperation to strengthen maritime security, promote global stability, and advance common interests.