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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, American armed forces flex interoperability prowess in West PH Sea war games

PH, American armed forces flex interoperability prowess in West PH Sea war games

Published Dec 11, 2025 02:02 pm
A Philippine Air Force FA-50 provides aerial escort to a US Navy P-8A Poseidon during the routine maritime patrol operations during the conduct of the 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea. (photo: AFP)
A Philippine Air Force FA-50 provides aerial escort to a US Navy P-8A Poseidon during the routine maritime patrol operations during the conduct of the 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea. (photo: AFP)
Filipino and American soldiers flexed their muscles anew in terms of interoperability in maritime operations in the recent military exercises in the West Philippine Sea.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief information officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said conduct of the 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Philippine military and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is part of the commitment to maintaining stability, security, and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
The military exercises were held from Dec. 9 to 10 within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea side.
“The MCA provided both forces an opportunity to enhance interoperability, deepen operational cooperation, and strengthen joint capabilities amid evolving security challenges,” said Trinidad.
“This activity reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States, maintaining the vital role in safeguarding regional peace and ensuring open and secure maritime domains,” he added.
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During the exercise, the AFP deployed a robust set of assets, including the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a Philippine Air Force Black Hawk, and a Sokol helicopter.
USINDOPACOM, for its part, utilized the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Trinidad said both forces successfully executed a series of cooperative evolutions, including Division Tactics (DIVTACS), complex ship maneuvering exercises, Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), and fly by or low pass of aircrafts.
An "intercept and escort" exercise of US P-8A by the PAF's FA50 was also conducted.
“These activities sharpened coordination, improved communication procedures, and enhanced the ability of both militaries to operate seamlessly in a dynamic maritime environment,” he said.
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