The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in coordination with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command, successfully conducted the 9th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on 29 April 2025 in the West Philippine Sea, within the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Joint Operational Area (JOA).
The exercise brought together key maritime and air assets from the three partner nations, showcasing a strong commitment to regional security, interoperability, and cooperation in support of a rules-based international order.
The Philippine deployment included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), AW159 anti-submarine helicopter, three FA-50PH fighter jets, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets. Australia participated with the HMAS Sydney, while the United States contributed F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft as well as long-range bomber aircraft.
The 9th MMCA featured a series of integrated operations aimed at improving tactical coordination and combined operational capabilities among the three nations. These included a Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), rotary flight operations/vertical replenishment, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX). Air patrols and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise were also conducted, demonstrating multi-domain coordination and shared maritime security objectives.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. emphasized the strategic importance of the activity, stating, “The 9th MMCA demonstrates the growing synergy among like-minded partners in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. These exercises are vital in strengthening our collective defense posture and operational readiness.”
This multilateral engagement reaffirms the AFP's commitment to fostering international cooperation, maintaining maritime security, and safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).///
