Philippines, US and Japan complete joint maritime drill in West Philippine Sea
The Philippines, United States and Japan held their 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea from 19 to 24 October, featuring ships, aircraft and coordinated exercises.
A joint naval and air exercise involving the Philippines, the United States and Japan took place in the West Philippine Sea between 19 and 24 October, marking the 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity. The Philippine contingent fielded the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B transport and a SAR aircraft, while the Coast Guard contributed the patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang.
The United States Pacific Command sent the cutter USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed the destroyer JS Kirisame with an SH-60K helicopter. The participants executed a series of drills, including communications (COMMEX), division tactics (DIVTACS), photo exercises, deck-landing qualification and vertical replenishment, as well as maritime domain awareness and search-and-rescue scenarios. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the successful operation underscored Manila’s commitment to deepen maritime cooperation with Japan and the United States and to uphold a free, open, rules-based maritime environment.
Why it matters
The drill demonstrates growing security cooperation among three key regional powers in a contested sea area.
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