The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted their tenth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), specifically west of Zambales within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
During the exercise held on Monday, the AFP deployed the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three (3) A-29B Super Tucano, three (3) FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol Search and Rescue helicopter, demonstrating the Philippines’ growing operational readiness and ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios. Meanwhile, USINDOPACOM contributed with the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Activities conducted include Communication Checks Exercise, Maritime Domain Awareness Reporting, Raid Exercise, Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch Maneuver with Photo Exercise, and a Low Pass/Fly-by. Likewise, a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) activity was conducted by Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 aboard FFG-06.
“The successful conduct of the 10th Bilateral MCA underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines and the United States to uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific region in accordance with international law, while affirming support for the freedom of navigation and overflight, and contributing to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said in a statement after the wargames.
