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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Navy joins live-fire air defense drill with Singapore, Italy, Japan

PH Navy joins live-fire air defense drill with Singapore, Italy, Japan

Published Jun 20, 2026 10:36 am  |  Updated Jun 20, 2026 02:06 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Navy joined a live-fire air defense exercise with Singaporean, Italian, and Japanese warships on June 18 as part of preparations for the upcoming RIMPAC 2026 exercise in Hawaii.
  • BRP Miguel Malvar and partner vessels tested their air defense systems by engaging an unmanned aerial vehicle target launched from Japan's JS Kongo, which simulated a low-flying hostile aircraft.
  • The Navy said the drill strengthened interoperability among participating forces and highlighted the Philippines' growing capability to operate modern naval platforms in multinational maritime operations.
BRP Miguel Malvar crew fire at an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a 50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire air defense exercise on June 18, 2026 ahead of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise in Hawaii, United States. (Photo: Philippine Navy)
BRP Miguel Malvar crew fire at an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a 50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire air defense exercise on June 18, 2026 ahead of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise in Hawaii, United States. (Photo: Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) disclosed on Saturday, June 20, that it has participated in a live-fire air defense exercise with Singaporean, Italian, and Japanese warships as part of its preparations for the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 in Hawaii.

The drill held last Thursday, June 18, was conducted during a multinational group sail involving BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Steadfast (RSS 70), Italian Navy multi-purpose surface combatant ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P 434), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173).

The Navy said the activity aimed to improve coordination among participating navies before the multinational naval exercise in the Pacific.

“Enhancing interoperability and strengthening collective readiness, the Philippine Navy together with partner nations joining in the multinational group sail successfully executed an air defense exercise on June 18, 2026 as part of their preparations for the upcoming Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026,” it said.

“During the exercise, participating ships tested their respective air defense systems and fired at an unmanned aerial vehicle target launched from JS Kongo, acting as the simulated low flying hostile aircraft,” the Navy added.

RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise hosted every two years by the United States. It brings together naval forces from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond for training in maritime warfare and other military operations.

The drill gave participating navies an opportunity to practice how they would respond to aerial threats while operating as a combined force, the Navy explained.

“The Philippine Navy’s participation in RIMPAC 2026 demonstrates its growing capability to operate modern platforms and contribute meaningfully in multinational maritime operations,” it stated.

Related Tags

Philippine Navy Singapore Italy Japan RIMPAC
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