CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The combined armed and defense forces of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States successfully conducted the 5th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on December 6, 2024, within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The activity underscored the collective commitment of the three nations to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Building on previous MMCAs and ongoing collaborative operations, the exercise enhanced the interoperability of defense doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures among the participating forces. Conducted in full compliance with international law, the MMCA emphasized respect for the safety of navigation and the maritime rights of all states.
Participating units included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) and a C-90 aircraft, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106), and the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47.
The 5th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity included a range of coordinated operations designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime capabilities. Activities conducted during the exercise included a communications check to ensure seamless coordination, a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) and pre-sail conference to align operational objectives. Photo and division tactics exercises were also conducted. These drills emphasized collaborative defense strategies and reinforced the commitment of the participating forces to maintain regional security and stability.
The MMCA reaffirms the partners nations’ dedication to working closely together to maintain security and stability in the region, promoting a rules-based maritime order and enhancing regional cooperation.
