PH Navy, Japan JMSDF hold first joint drills in WPS

The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted their first joint maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday.

The joint exercise involved the PN's BRP Jose Rizal and Japan's JS Sazanami, including communications exercises, tactical maneuvering, and photographic exercises.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that these drills enhanced the tactical capabilities of both navies and reinforced their commitment to regional peace and stability, marking a milestone in efforts to deter China's aggression.

This exercise follows a similar maritime cooperative activity (MCA) conducted by the PN and the US Navy in the WPS on Wednesday.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reiterated that such exercises are crucial for enhancing naval capabilities and safeguarding maritime interests.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad mentioned that MCAs will be conducted regularly with like-minded countries.

This comes after the Philippines and Japan signed a landmark troop access agreement on July 8, allowing military deployment on each other's soil and lifting restrictions for Japan's role in exercises like Balikatan.