CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Navy engaged in a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on February 21, marking the AFP's third consecutive week of joint maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea, within the joint operational area of Northern Luzon Command.
The Philippine and French forces collaborated in a series of activities designed to enhance their interoperability, communication, and defense capabilities.
The Philippine assets involved in this MCA include: the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), C90 aircraft, three FA50s, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) units.
On the French side, the French Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle (R91), Fregate Europeenne Multi-Mission Destroyer Provence (D652), Force Supply Vessel Jacques Chevallier (A725), Air Defense Destroyer Forbin (D620), and Aquitaine-class frigate Alsace (D656) participated in the exercise.
The series of drills include Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), personnel exchange through rigid hull inflatable boats, Anti-submarine warfare exercises, and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training.
The successive conduct of MCA with other like-minded nations underscores the growing international focus on maritime security in the West Philippine Sea and aims to strengthen interoperability and defense capabilities among ally and partner nations.
“Through joint maritime cooperative activities and collaborative efforts, the AFP seeks to build a stronger, more resilient defense system that is prepared to address the challenges of the modern security landscape,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.///
