The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone June 14-19 2026. This activity demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As the seventh MCA of 2026, this iteration included U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps participation and focused on littoral maneuver and amphibious assault subject matter expert exchange and training, in addition to visit, board, search, and seizure; maritime interdiction operations; search and rescue; and maritime law enforcement training. These regular at-sea events expand the interoperability of our respective military doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures between the armed forces of the U.S. and Philippines.
“We always look forward to meaningful engagements with our allies and partners to demonstrate our commitment to the region,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Ethan Goldcamp, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). “The crew of Emlen Tunnell takes pride in upholding the Coast Guard’s core belief of maritime governance and demonstrating professionalism to reinforce the rule of law at sea, so collaborating with our allies and partners to do that is even more rewarding for us.”
MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units included two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets, one Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan EX Sokol helicopters; Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407); Philippine Navy Jose Miguel Malvar-class frigate Diego Silang (FFG 7), one AW159 helicopter; U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145); U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment; and U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
“I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Charles Moulthrope team during this MCA,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Patrick Dixon, commanding officer of Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141). “This is our first time operating with our Filipino partners, and we were able to seamlessly integrate and demonstrate our interoperability. These professional exchanges strengthen our mutual capacity and create opportunities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The U.S., along with its allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs)

Subic Bay, Zambales—On June 22, the U.S. government transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The delivery of these systems, valued at approximately Php754 million ($13 million), demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and to a free and open Indo-Pacific by enhancing the Philippines’ ability to detect and respond to maritime challenges and illegal maritime activities.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Bridgette Walker, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh, Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan led the turnover ceremony at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic.
The Triton AUSVs are capable of collecting data above and below the ocean’s surface through a resilient mesh network. The Tritons are solar-powered, allowing each unit to operate for up to 30 days for improved decision-making at the tactical and operational levels.
“The four Ocean Aero Triton AUSVs we are transferring today represent something important: the future of maritime security is not just about platforms¬—it is about capability, speed, and reach,” Chargé d’Affaires Walker said in her remarks. “The Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain is vast, contested, and critical, and the Philippines sits at the heart of it. The ability to monitor and respond to maritime challenges—illegal fishing, gray zone activities, and threats to freedom of navigation—requires persistent, long-endurance awareness that no single ship or aircraft can provide alone. The Triton fills that gap by expanding the capabilities of the Philippine Navy into critical waterways,” she added.
The delivery demonstrates how aligned investments, training, and shared standards translate into credible, ready capabilities that deter aggression and support regional stability. “Today’s delivery highlights our enduring commitment to stand with the Philippines and invest in Alliance modernization in a manner that supports the bilateral Philippines-U.S. Security Sector Assistance Roadmap objectives,” said Colonel Oh. “These unmanned capabilities support the AFP’s transition to territorial defense and improve awareness in critical waterways. The next step is to assist the Philippines integrate these new capabilities in their employment and sustainment concepts.”
The United States and the Philippines stand shoulder to shoulder as ironclad Allies, bound by shared history, common values, and an unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Stronger together at sea!

U.S. Department of War, U.S. Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone to reaffirm our shared commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday formally sent off Naval Task Group 84, the contingent aboard guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which will take part in this year’s “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 to be held in and around the waters of Hawaii from June 24 to July 31.
Send-off ceremonies took place at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales, with Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta spearheading the event.
“This ceremony is important since our last ship deployment to RIMPAC dates back to 2022. As such, our return to this multinational activity highlights our commitment to becoming a ‘credible partner’ under our Sail Plan 2040 vision. We likewise strengthen maritime cooperation with partner nations and navies in order to continue advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the PN chief said.
Representing the PN at this year’s exercise is BRP Miguel Malvar, with a contingent of naval personnel who will take part in a series of professional exchanges and operational activities alongside naval forces from participating nations.
This year’s exercise, likewise, marks the inaugural participation of the Philippine Coast Guard in RIMPAC, which is deploying the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), highlighting strengthened interagency maritime cooperation and a more integrated Philippine representation in multinational maritime engagements.
RIMPAC is the world’s largest maritime exercise held biennially.
“I trust that every sailor and marine who will embark on this mission will demonstrate excellence and a forward-looking mindset in everything that you will do – epitomizing a new era of maritime capability for the Philippines,” Ezpeleta said.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet said this year’s RIMPAC will bring 31 nations and will feature a multinational force of approximately 40 surface ships, fice submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
The exercise will cover a wide range of capabilities including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile proficiency, anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations. (PNA)

The Philippine Navy held the christening ceremony for BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21) on May 26, 2026, at Quay 7, Naval Operating Base–Subic, Zambales, as part of its 128th Anniversary celebration, with Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, Commander, Philippine Fleet, as keynote speaker.
“Today’s unveiling of the ship’s name and bow number represents more than identity – it represents purpose. It reflects the continuing modernization of the Philippine Navy and our resolve to build a force that is more capable, responsive, and prepared to protect our maritime domain,” Rear Admiral Orbe said.
Ahead of its commissioning, the christening ceremony formally unveiled the ship’s name and bow number which marks an important milestone in the vessel’s integration into the Philippine Navy fleet and symbolizing its future role in strengthening the country’s maritime defense and security capabilities.
“As we formally christen BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21), may she sail with honor, strength, and purpose. May she serve as a symbol of courage, dedication, and national pride for generations of Filipino sailors to come,” Rear Admiral Orbe added.
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21), a Rajah Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), reflects the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts to build a modern, multi-capable, self-reliant, and credible force capable of addressing evolving maritime challenges and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced the conduct of arrival ceremonies for the prospective offshore patrol vessel (OPV), BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), at the Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales on Friday.
PN public affairs office chief Capt. Marie Angelica DC Sisican said in a statement on Saturday that the ship arrived in the country on May 4.
The prospective BRP Rajah Lakandula is the sister ship of the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), which was commissioned into service in February.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, at a cost of about PHP30 billion. These ships measure 94.4 meters long and 14.3 meters wide, with a displacement of 2,400 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
Sisican said Philippine Military Academy Superintendent, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, served as the keynote speaker for the arrival ceremonies.
Also present during the ceremony was PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe.
The vessel, set to be formally commissioned at a later date, signifies another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing capability development efforts.
“When this ship sails, the spirit of Rajah Lakandula sails with it – steadfast, wise, and unyielding. We are telling the world that we are a peace-loving nation. Our resolve to protect what is ours is as deep as the trenches of the Philippines,” Valencia said as he highlighted the significance of the vessel’s arrival and its namesake, Rajah Lakandula, the pre-colonial ruler of Tondo and a symbol of courage and leadership in Philippine history.
The arrival of the future BRP Rajah Lakandula underscores the Philippine Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security operations and maintaining a credible naval presence.
“With the addition of this asset, the PN continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain and support national security objectives,” Sisican said. (PNA)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that one of the six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) it ordered from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the prospective Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), arrived in the country on Jan. 17.
The vessel is scheduled for technical inspection and assessment before it is commissioned and officially accepted into service.
“The PN’s newest OPV, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), has arrived in the country from South Korea, which marks another significant addition to the Navy’s growing modern fleet, on January 17, 2026,” PN public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said in a statement.
South Korean media earlier reported that the ship departed Ulsan on Jan. 13 for its voyage to the Philippines. Upon entering Philippine waters, the vessel was met off the coast of Zambales by the country’s first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), in accordance with standard naval protocols.
“After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks,” Sisican said.
She added that BRP Rajah Sulayman is scheduled to undergo acceptance and pre-commissioning processes before its formal entry into active service.
“(This) underscores the PN’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant force,” Sisican said.
BRP Rajah Sulayman was launched on June 11, 2025, at the HD HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from shipbuilder HD HHI, worth around PHP30 billion in 2022. (PNA)

Forward-deployed U.S. sailors and Marines are training alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and other allied militaries in the Philippine Sea as part of Annualex, a multilateral exercise held every other year.
Led by Japanese destroyer carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184), the exercise kicked off Monday with the goal of refining existing combat interoperability capabilities, enhancing readiness across platforms and deterring regional instability and aggression, officials said.
“This year’s Annualex focuses on enhancing the Japan and U.S. bilateral alliance within a multilateral context through maritime communication tactics, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, replenishment-at-sea and more,” reads U.S. 7th Fleet news release.
Representing the U.S. this year are: cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), dry cargo ships USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) and USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE-8), fleet-oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199), a submarine, P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to the “Bats” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242. Imagery released Monday by the U.S. Defense Department also shows F-35Cs assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 taking part in the drills. VFA-147 forms part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW-5) assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73).
Japan will contribute destroyers and a submarine.
This year’s iteration also includes participation for the first time from France, which is joining Australia, Canada and New Zealand alongside the U.S. and Japan.
France is deploying surveillance frigate FS Prairial (F731) for the drills. The frigate is based in French Polynesia. The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) offshore patrol vessel HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432) will join the drills, as well. Max Bernays is the only RCN ship deployed in the region.
Australian and New Zealand forces will participate while also conducting routine surveillance on North Korean maritime sanctions violations. Fleet oiler HMNZS Aotearoa (A11), as well as P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both countries, will join Annualex between surveillance missions.

Other participating forces will include the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), French Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
It is unclear how long Annualex will run. In 2023, Annualex spanned 11 days, from Nov. 10-20.
“This exercise will strengthen the ties between France, Japan and the United States, following on from the Pacific Steller exercise that took place in February of this year, bringing together 15 units around the French, American and Japanese carrier battle groups,” reads a French Ministry of the Armed Forces news release.
Coinciding with Annualex is Japan’s Self-Defense Force 2025 Joint Exercise, which is taking place at military bases across Japan. U.S. and Australian armed forces will participate in part of the exercise, according to a Japan Joint Staff Office (JSO) news release.
The JSDF will deploy approximately 52,300 personnel, 4,180 vehicles, 60 ships and 310 aircraft. The U.S. will contribute 5,900 personnel and another 230 troops from the Australian Defense Force will participate. No details were given on U.S. assets participating in the drills.
Troops will drill on anti-ship attack training using Japan’s mobile anti-ship missile launchers, as well as amphibious and airborne operations in Japan’s southwest region. Base security exercises will be conducted on Japanese and U.S. military bases. Japan’s ground forces will rehearse deployments via rotary wing aircraft and sea transportation, partnering with U.S. Navy amphibious ships. A Japanese submarine will also dock at U.S. port facilities to conduct a replenishment.
The exercise will conclude Oct. 31. (Dzirhan Mahadzir/USNI News)

Philippine forces trained last week to defend Balabac, a strategic island in Palawan that is set to host a new military base dedicated to South China Sea operations.
Philippine Marines and Coast Guard special forces held joint maritime boarding operations in t

he vicinity of Balabac Island, which has been recognized as a strategic basing location by Manila amid its push to increase the country’s defensive capabilities. The quiet island is located next to a strait of the same name separating the Philippine province of Palawan from Malaysia and near several South China Sea hotspots.
According to a Philippine Coast Guard release, the boarding drill was meant to “prevent hostile forces from establishing a foothold in the vicinity” of Balabac Island. A high-altitude insertion also dropped force reconnaissance Marines onto Balabac during the exercise in what the Philippine Navy claimed was a demonstration of their ability to operate and seize objectives in a “contested littoral environment.”
The activity was one of several across the Philippines held under Marine Aviation Support Activity 2025, an annual bilateral U.S.-Philippine Marine exercise focused on enhancing aerial interoperability. Last year’s iteration saw U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs drop precision-guided munitions on targets in the South China Sea.

The presence of the Coast Guard Special Operations group in the drill comes as both Washington and Manila seek to bolster Philippine law enforcement capabilities in more territorial defense activities. Special operations forces from the Palawan-based agency have received training from U.S. Navy SEALs. The Philippine National Police also deployed its Special Action Force during Balikatan drills and to the frontlines of the Philippine-Chinese territorial dispute in the Spratly Islands.
In 2023, Balabac Island was selected as one of nine sites across the Philippine archipelago to host American-funded facilities and rotationally deployed U.S. forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The move coincided with increased tensions between Manila and Beijing over maritime features in the South China Sea, including the nearby Second Thomas Shoal.
The strait, one of several going through Philippine waters, has also seen increased attention from American and Chinese forces. Washington and Beijing have utilized the strait for transiting warships, including aircraft carriers, in previous years between the first and second island chains.
Philippine policymakers have recently noted the military implications of these transits and have passed a new archipelagic sea lanes law to strengthen the country’s sovereignty. Chinese carriers, destroyers, cutters and spy ships have reportedly traversed Philippine archipelagic waters without notifying Manila.
Manila plans to construct significant naval and air base infrastructure at Balabac, including a pier capable of hosting destroyer-sized vessels and a three-kilometer-long runway. Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gibo Teodoro has noted the importance of these future facilities in maintaining Philippine presence and maritime domain awareness capabilities in the South China Sea.
Recent Philippine Senate hearings have revealed that these projects are delayed as a result of funding shortfalls. (