The Philippines and the United States conducted the ninth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on December 9–10 to strengthen interoperability and joint capabilities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported.
The exercises saw the deployment of Philippine assets, including the BRP Jose Rizal, fighter jets, and helicopters, alongside U.S. vessels and aircraft such as the USS Rafael Peralta and P-8A Poseidon.
Activities included division tactics, ship maneuvering exercises, and other coordinated operations designed to improve communication and operational readiness.
The AFP emphasized that the drills took place within the country’s exclusive economic zone, west of Zambales.
The exercises come amid ongoing tensions with China, which continues to frequent the disputed waters despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling affirming Philippine sovereignty.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 12, 2025
US AND PHILIPPINES CONDUCT JOINT MARITIME EXERCISES IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
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