AFP and USINDOPACOM Complete 10th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Exercise in West Philippine Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) recently executed their tenth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the West Philippine Sea, specifically west of Zambales inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The exercise, held on Monday, involved the deployment of significant assets from both countries. The AFP contributed the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, three FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter, highlighting the Philippines’ enhanced operational capabilities and seamless integration with allied forces during complex maritime operations. Meanwhile, USINDOPACOM provided the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Operational activities during the exercise included Communication Checks, Maritime Domain Awareness Reporting, Raid Exercises, Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch Maneuvers accompanied by a Photo Exercise, and Low Pass/Fly-by drills. Additionally, the Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation aboard the BRP Miguel Malvar.

In a statement following the exercises, the AFP emphasized, "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."