Philippines, US, and Australia Conduct Joint Naval Drills

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the United States, and Australia conducted the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from February 15 to 16, 2026. The joint exercise took place within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and focused on enhancing interoperability, maritime security, and freedom of navigation through communication drills, division tactics, and replenishment-at-sea operations.

Participating assets included the USS Dewey and P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the U.S., HMAS Toowoomba and P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Australia, as well as the BRP Diego Silang, BRP Teresa Magbanua, and FA-50 fighter jets from the Philippines. The participating nations stated the activity demonstrates a collective commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in adherence to international law.

During the drills, the Philippine Navy reported that two warships from the People's Liberation Army Navy shadowed the exercise near Bajo de Masinloc. While the Chinese vessels remained at a safe distance and did not interfere with the training area, the Armed Forces of the Philippines described the presence of these ships as illegal and stated the incident would be submitted to the proper agency.