The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), alongside military units from the United States and Japan, have wrapped up their 17th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea.
The joint operations took place from July 21 to 25 against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing following a recent confrontation near Ayungin Shoal.
The exercise brought together key assets from each country. The Philippine contingent deployed the navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15) and an AW109 helicopter, supported by the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4002). Philippine Air Force assets—including FA-50 jet fighters, TC-90 and C-208B aircraft, an A-29B Super Tucano, and a Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter—also joined the operations.
The United States Indo-Pacific Command dispatched the littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32), an MH-60S helicopter, and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sent the destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD-103).
Over five days, the allied forces executed various interoperability drills, covering communications, replenishment-at-sea, officer-of-the-watch maneuvers, division tactics, cross-deck helicopter landings, rotary-wing deck qualifications, photo exercises, vertical replenishment, and fly-by operations.
“The conduct of the 17th MMCA for 2026 underscores the enduring partnership among the partner nations in promoting peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” the AFP stated.
Military officials emphasized that the maneuvers demonstrate the AFP’s dedication to preserving overflight and freedom of navigation while deterring “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” in the West Philippine Sea.
The joint drills coincided with a fresh diplomatic rift after China Coast Guard personnel allegedly assaulted Philippine Navy troops during a mission near Ayungin Shoal.
Following the incident, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañang to lodge a formal protest and urge a reset in Philippine-China relations to avert future clashes.
Tri-nation MMCA exercises remain a staple in the West Philippine Sea to build operational coordination, improve tactical interoperability, and reinforce regional security among the allied nations.