CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and the U.S. Navy, conducted another Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from October 30 to 31, 2025.
This marks the seventh MMCA conducted this year and the 12th since the series began in 2024. It follows the successful completion of the 11th iteration held in mid-September. The continuing conduct of these activities underscores the enduring commitment of the four nations to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and uphold peace and stability under a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
For this exercise, the AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), along with its NH441 AW159 and C-208 surveillance aircraft, as well as A-29B Super Tucano close air support aircraft. The ADF participated with HMAS Ballarat (FFH155) and its MH-60R Seahawk, while the NZDF contributed the replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A11). The US Navy participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62).
The activity featured a series of coordinated maritime and aerial operations, including Rendezvous and Communication Check Exercise, Division Tactics, Officer of the Watch Maneuvers with a Photo Exercise, Fly-by/Low Pass of A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, personnel and sea rider exchanges via RHIBs, cross-deck drills, an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) EMATT simulation, Passing Exercise, and Replenishment- and Fueling-at-Sea exercises. The activities concluded with the Final Exercise (FINEX), demonstrating strengthened cooperation, seamless coordination, and shared commitment to maritime security.
These joint engagements further reinforce the AFP’s commitment to strengthening defense partnerships geared toward enhancing the country’s maritime security posture and protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Photos and videos by: TSg Obinque PAF, A1C Castro PAF/PAOAFP and Edward Bungubung
