PH, US, Australia, New Zealand conduct 12th maritime defense exercise in WPS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and the United States Navy conducted a joint maritime defense exercise in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement on Saturday, the AFP said the four nations conducted the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) from October 30 to 31, 2025.

The latest MMCA was the 12th exercise conducted since the series began in 2024. 

The 12th MMCA, the AFP said, follows the successful completion of the 11th iteration held in mid-September. 

12th MMCA Strengthens AFP’s Maritime Defense with Australia, New Zealand, and USA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and the U.S. Navy, conducted another Multilateral Maritime… pic.twitter.com/2GTIQVSDSU

— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) November 1, 2025

The continuing conduct of these activities underscores the enduring commitment of the four nations to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and uphold peace and stability under a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Philippines’ defense force.

For 12th joint exercise, the AFP said it deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), along with its NH441 AW159 and C-208 surveillance aircraft, as well as A-29B Super Tucano close air support aircraft. 

The ADF participated with HMAS Ballarat (FFH155) and its MH-60R Seahawk, while the NZDF contributed the replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A11). 

The US Navy participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62).

The AFP said the activity featured a series of coordinated maritime and aerial operations, including Rendezvous and Communication Check Exercise, Division Tactics, Officer of the Watch Maneuvers with a Photo Exercise, Fly-by/Low Pass of A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, personnel and sea rider exchanges via RHIBs, cross-deck drills, an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) EMATT simulation, Passing Exercise, and Replenishment- and Fueling-at-Sea exercises. 

The Philippine military said the activities concluded with the Final Exercise (FINEX), demonstrating strengthened cooperation, seamless coordination, and shared commitment to maritime security.

“These joint engagements further reinforce the AFP’s commitment to strengthening defense partnerships geared toward enhancing the country’s maritime security posture and protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” it said. —KG, GMA Integrated News