Philippine, US, Japan hold joint maritime drills in WPS

The Philippines, United States, and Japan recently conducted joint maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen their regional cooperation.

The multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) took place from November 14 to 15.

The Philippines deployed two frigates, BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna, along with an AW159 helicopter.

The US Indo-Pacific Command participated with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, including the USS Nimitz and several destroyers.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force sent the destroyer JS Akebono and an SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.

The Philippine Coast Guard also joined the drills with BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cape San Agustin.

The exercise involved various coordinated maritime and aerial operations such as resupply approaches, anti-submarine warfare training, and tactical maneuvers.