AFP executes amphibious assault, counter-landing drills in Palawan


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Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel carry out a live-fire demonstration as part of the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) DAGIT-PA in Aborlan, Palawan from Nov. 9 to 10, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday, Nov. 11, that it has conducted a series of amphibious assault and counter-landing operations as part of the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” in Aborlan, Palawan.

Personnel of the Philippine Marine Corps' (PMC) 3rd Marine Brigade combined forces with troops from the Philippine Army, (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and Philippine Navy (PN) to carry out the drills, according to Captain Marissa Meriel, spokesperson of the 3rd Marine Brigade.

The exercises held from Nov. 9 to 10 featured breaching operations and live-fire demonstrations from artillery, armored vehicles, squad rocket launcher light (SRLLs), heavy and light machine guns, and small arms.

It also included air support from the A-29 Super Tucano, showcasing the AFP’s integrated air and ground capabilities. 

“The primary objective of the exercise was to focus on improving the interoperability and overall capability development of AFP units, ensuring they can operate seamlessly across joint and combined domains,” Meriel said.

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Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel carry out breaching operations exercise as part of the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) DAGIT-PA in Aborlan, Palawan from Nov. 9 to 10, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

The exercise was among the highlight of the ongoing AJEX DAGIT-PA, the eight iteration of the AFP’s unilateral training program involving its major service units. More than 3,000 troops from the Army, Navy and Air Force are training together for this exercise.

Meriel highlighted the importance of the AJEX DAGIT-PA, saying it plays a critical role in strengthening the AFP’s external and territorial defense posture in support of the operationalization of defense strategies such as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

The CADC seeks to develop the military’s capability to protect and secure the entire Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and ensure that all the bounties of the natural resources within them will be freely reaped by the Filipinos.

“Through these exercises, the AFP improves its capabilities and integrates systems for joint maritime and air domain operations, further enhancing national security and defense readiness,” Meriel said.