Naval and air forces from the Philippines, the United States and Australia concluded the 19th Multilateral Maritime Co-operative Activity (MMCA) in the South China Sea on August 25, wrapping up a weeklong series of joint exercises designed to strengthen regional security and operational co-ordination.
Multilateral fleet deployments
As reported by the Manila Bulletin, the joint drills ran from August 19-25, featuring significant operational assets from all three participating nations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed the Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang, an AW109 naval helicopter, Philippine Air Force FA-50 light jet fighters, a Cessna 208B surveillance aircraft and a W-3A Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter.
The Philippine Coast Guard also participated with its multi-role response vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The US and Australia sent advanced naval and air components to support the joint operations.
The United States Navy deployed the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara alongside P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while the Australian Defence Force sent the Supply-class replenishment oiler HMAS Supply, an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Philippines vs. China: Fiery debate over South China Sea at 80th UNGA
Tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine drills
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) stated that the trilateral forces executed complex maritime exercises aimed at improving operational interoperability across air and sea domains.
The co-ordinated drills included advanced communications exercises, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment at sea, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercise and fly-by operations, according to the AFP.
The participating units focused heavily on specialised operational capabilities, conducting anti-submarine warfare simulations and replenishment-at-sea maneuvers.
Commitment to Indo-Pacific stability
Military commanders praised the successful conclusion of the 19th MMCA as a testament to the deepening strategic ties among Manila, Washington and Canberra.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad explained that the MMCA is a multilateral exercise that gives the Philippines and its allies a chance to practice co-ordinated operations and enhance their mutual communication and maneuvering skills.
He emphasised that the regular conduct of these exercises reinforces the tri-lateral commitment to defense co-operation, enhancing interoperability and promoting peace and stability across a secure Indo-Pacific region.
READ NEXT: South Korea deploys fighter jets as Russian aircraft enter country’s airspace
Rosemarie Zamora 
Ciara Mina 
Jacinth Banite