The Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed a 140-strong contingent to Singapore for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023 from May 2 to 8 which will incorporate drills among participating countries to practice a code for unplanned encounters at sea.
 

(Photo by Philippine Navy)

Capt. Sherwin Respeto, the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in Singapore, welcomed the PN contingent who arrived at the Changi Naval Base, Singapore on May 1 for the inauguration of the AIME 2023. Singapore's liaison officers were also present to welcome the Philippine contingent.

“As the Philippine Navy enjoys the influx of modern assets, its participation in this international exercise will sharpen the skills of its personnel,” said Capt. Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson.

Among the highlights of the exercise is the practice by the participating navies of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES).

The Singapore Ministry of Defence said that CUES is a “confidence-building measure to promote trust and reduce the likelihood of accidents or miscalculations in the maritime domain.”

“This exercise (AIME 2023) allows navies of ASEAN Member States and India to strengthen collaboration, enhance understanding, and build confidence to address common maritime security challenges at sea,” the Singapore Ministry of Defence said in a press release on May 2.

The exercise was held as China continues to flex its might in the waters surrounding ASEAN countries as well as in Indian Ocean.

Last April 23, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5201 carried out dangerous maneuvers near Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Malapascua by maintaining a perilous distance of only 50 yards in the Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea.

China was criticized for the near-collision although Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning blamed the PCG for the incident, saying it was a “premeditated and provocative action for the Philippine vessel to barge into the waters of Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal).”

By participating in AIME 2023, Negranza said that the PN is showing “steadfast commitment to promoting regional peace and stability” among its counterparts from ASEAN and Indian navies, as well as neighboring countries.

The AIME 2023 involves nine ships, six aircraft, and over 1,800 personnel from 10 participating countries namely co-hosts Singapore and India, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Singaporean Minister of Defence said that the AIME 2023 comprises of a shore phase at RSS Singapura – CNB which will be followed by a sea phase in international waters along the transit route to the Philippines, where participants will subsequently take part in the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise to be hosted by the PN. 

“During the shore phase, personnel will participate in professional exchanges in Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations,” the Singaporean Ministry of Defence said.

“During the sea phase, RSS Supreme and other participating ships will conduct various serials, including helicopter cross-deck landings, as well as maritime security, communication, and maneuvering exercises,” it added.

The exercise will conclude with a sail past of all participating ships at sea, or an inspection of the fleet of ships.

Aside from AIME 2023, the PN contingent will also attend the International Maritime Defense Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia) 2023 from May 3 to 5, which provides an avenue to foster engagements and showcase the latest innovations in naval technology.