CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the defense forces of Japan, and the United States recently concluded a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on March 28, 2025, further enhancing interoperability and strengthening defense ties among the three nations.
The Philippine contingent featured BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AW 109 helicopter, C90 aircraft, and PAF Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
Japan deployed their multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) with a maritime helicopter SH-60K.
Meanwhile, the United States contributed their guided missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH60-R, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon to the joint activity.
The activity consisted of various exercises including Communications Check Exercise, Rotary Flight Operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) / Contact Reporting, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Personnel Exchange and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX).
These exercises aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of participating forces.
“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness. Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.///
