CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces and partner nations—the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces—conducted a Multinational Maritime Event (MME) from April 20 to May 1 in the West Philippine Sea as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.
The AFP deployed key maritime assets, including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), AW159, and an AW109 helicopter, alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV 4408 ). Participating allied forces included the USS Ashland (LSD-48), and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) from the United States; JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), JS Shimokita (LST-4002), and JS Ise (DDH-152) from Japan; HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156) from Australia; and HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339) and MV Asterix from Canada.
The exercise featured a range of coordinated maritime activities, including Communication Checks, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Coordinated Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), Air Defense Exercise through Integrated Air and Missile Defense (ADEX IAMD), Deck Landing Qualification (DLQ), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), and Replenishment at Sea (RAS), aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational readiness among participating forces.
The MME under Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines with its ally and partners to strengthen cooperation and regional stability. Building on this momentum, the AFP continues to advance its capability to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime interests while upholding a rules-based international order.
Photos by PO3 Gonzales PN / PAOAFP
