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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, India boost naval ties with second maritime exercise in West Philippine Sea

AFP, India boost naval ties with second maritime exercise in West Philippine Sea

Published Nov 28, 2025 01:00 pm
BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) maneuvers alongside INS Sahyadri as both vessels execute coordinated maritime operations during the second bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian Armed Forces in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 26, 2025. (PHoto: AFP)
BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) maneuvers alongside INS Sahyadri as both vessels execute coordinated maritime operations during the second bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian Armed Forces in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 26, 2025. (PHoto: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian Armed Forces reinforced their maritime partnership during the second iteration of the Philippines–India Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the military disclosed on Thursday, Nov. 27.
The drills, held on Nov. 26, saw both countries deploy advanced naval and air assets as the AFP fielded guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), FA-50 fighter jets, and a W-3A Sokol search and rescue helicopter while India sent the INS Sahyadri, a guided missile frigate equipped with a helicopter.
The exercises included Communication Exercises (COMMEX) and Flag Hoist Drills which honed visual and radio communication procedures between the two navies. They also conducted Officer of the Watch (OOW) maneuvers accompanied by a Photo Exercise which featured a flyby or low pass of FA-50s, demonstrating precise and coordinated maritime formations.
The activity culminated with a Steampast or passing exercise (PASSEX), which “symbolized unity and the shared commitment of the Philippines and India in safeguarding maritime domains.”
The AFP said the MCA reflects a deepening strategic alignment between Manila and New Delhi that is aimed at upholding international maritime law, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
“The successful conduct of the second MCA reflects the growing synergy between the AFP and the Indian Navy as both countries continue to expand defense cooperation. It also underscores their mutual commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said.
The MCA came amid heightened regional attention on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific due to China’s assertive actions in the WPS.
The AFP and Indian Armed Forces conducted their first bilateral MCA in August this year, covering strategic waters from Masinloc, Zambales to Cabra Island in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
These areas are frequently patrolled by Chinese coast guard, navy, and maritime militia vessels.
China criticized the initiative, saying it “undermines regional peace and stability.”
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., however, disagreed as he called the partnership “a show of unity, a show of solidarity among like-minded nations” rather than a show of force against Beijing.
In recent years, the AFP has increased its military engagements with friendly and allied nations to establish a credible deterrence against China’s expansionist claims in the WPS.

Related Tags

AFP India MCA West Philippine Sea
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