CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- In its continued pursuit of strengthening maritime defense capabilities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) from April 9 to 12, 2026, in the West Philippine Sea.
This iteration marks the second MMCA this year with the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, and the 16th overall conduct of the activity, underscoring the deepening defense cooperation among the three nations and their shared commitment to regional security.
During the exercise, the AFP deployed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20), alongside Philippine Air Force aircraft including FA-50 fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucano, C-208B, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also deployed BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702), demonstrating a whole-of-nation approach to safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.
The Australian Defence Force deployed HMAS Toowoomba (FFH156) with an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, while the United States Indo-Pacific Command contributed USS Ashland (LSD-48).
Exercise serials included replenishment at sea approach (RASAP), rendezvous procedures, Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) activities, division tactics/Officer of the Watch maneuvers, flyby exercise, photo exercise, night steaming in company, screen exercise, and farewell pass. The activity concluded with the official declaration of Finish Exercise (FINEX).
Notably, this iteration of the MMCA featured the transport of four (4) Naval Combat Engineering Brigade equipment assets which includes one (1) payloader, one (1) telescopic crane, and two (2) concrete mixers from Manila Bay to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan aboard USS Ashland (LSD-48) which is an an actual conduct of logistics interoperability between the AFP and USINDOPACOM.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations to ensure maritime security, protect national interests, and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.///
