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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Navy, allies test interoperability in RIMPAC sail with 'leapfrog' maneuver

PH Navy, allies test interoperability in RIMPAC sail with 'leapfrog' maneuver

Published Jun 19, 2026 03:38 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Navy's newest frigate, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), successfully executed a precise and close-quarter "leapfrog" maneuver alongside warships from South Korea and Singapore during a multinational group sail.
  • The tactical exercise held on June 17 tested crew proficiency in ship handling and communication by maintaining a strict 50-yard distance as the vessels alternated lead roles.
  • The drill served as a critical interoperability test ahead of the Rim of Pacific (RIMPC) Exercise, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise to be held in Hawaii, which aimed at strengthening collective Indo-Pacific security.
BRP Miguel Malvar (foreground) with RSS Steadfast and ROKS Cheon Ja Bong execute leapfrog maneuvers during the multinational group sail on June 17, 2026 while en route to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. (Photo: Philippine Navy)
BRP Miguel Malvar (foreground) with RSS Steadfast and ROKS Cheon Ja Bong execute leapfrog maneuvers during the multinational group sail on June 17, 2026 while en route to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. (Photo: Philippine Navy)
The Philippine Navy (PN) and its counterparts from South Korea and Singapore carried out a leapfrog maneuver during a multinational group sail in a move aimed at sharpening coordination and ship-handling skills ahead of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026.
The activity involved the Philippine Navy's BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), the Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Steadfast (RSS 70), and the Republic of Korea Navy amphibious landing ship ROKS Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687).
In a statement Friday, June 19, the Naval Task Group 84 said the maneuver formed part of preparations for RIMPAC 2026, the world's largest international maritime exercise that gathers naval forces from across the Indo-Pacific and other partner nations.
During the exercise held last June 17, the three ships performed a leapfrog formation, a maneuver in which vessels take turns moving ahead of one another while alternately serving as the guide ship and maneuvering ship within the formation.
The participating vessels maintained a distance of 50 yards while carrying out the drill.
According to Naval Task Group 84, the activity was designed to test the crews' proficiency in ship handling, communications procedures, and seamanship.
The maneuver also served as a practical test of interoperability among the three navies before they join larger and more complex activities during RIMPAC.
RIMPAC is held every two years in and around Hawaii and is led by the United States Navy.
The exercise aims to strengthen maritime partnerships, improve coordination among allied and partner navies, and enhance collective capability in maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The PN has regularly participated in recent editions of RIMPAC as part of its efforts to expand defense cooperation with foreign militaries and improve operational readiness.
“The Philippine Navy continues to strengthen partnerships with like-minded nations and enhance its capabilities to safeguard the country's maritime interests,” said Captain Ryan L. Bakabak, commander of Naval Task Group 84.
The BRP Miguel Malvar is currently en route to participate in RIMPAC 2026 together with naval forces from various countries.
The exercise is expected to feature a series of sea-based and shore-based training activities, including maritime operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and interoperability drills.

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