PHILIPPINES, SOUTH KOREA, SINGAPORE JOIN HAWAII WAR DRILLS

A Philippine Navy frigate joined warships from South Korea and Singapore in a joint maneuver on June 17 while sailing to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest multinational maritime warfare drill.

The BRP Miguel Malvar, Singapore’s RSS Steadfast, and South Korea’s ROKS Cheon Ja Bong carried out a “leapfrog” formation to test ship handling, communication, and seamanship while maintaining safe distances at sea.

The Philippine Navy said the exercise strengthened interoperability among the participating navies ahead of the biennial drills involving more than 30 countries.

The activity also underscored Manila’s growing defense ties with Seoul, which built the BRP Miguel Malvar, and Singapore, with both nations expanding security cooperation with the Philippines.

Defense officials have recently reaffirmed efforts to deepen joint military training and strategic partnerships with the two countries.

Source: PhilNews24 | June 20, 2026