By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter
THE Philippines and the US held joint maritime exercises within the contested South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday, aiming to strengthen naval coordination and interoperability amid rising regional tensions.
For the drills, the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Jose Rizal, three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a Black Hawk helicopter, and a Sokol helicopter.
“These assets demonstrated the Philippines’ expanding operational readiness and its growing ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios,” the AFP said.
The US contingent included the USS Rafael Peralta, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, highlighting capabilities in surveillance, naval warfare and joint operations.
The exercises, conducted on Dec. 9 and 10, marked the fifth of the yr and the ninth overall because the drills began in 2023 under the “maritime cooperative activities” (MCA) framework.
“This activity reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and america, maintaining the vital role in safeguarding regional peace and ensuring open and secure maritime domains,” it said.
Each forces executed division tactics, complex ship maneuvers, low-pass aircraft drills and an “intercept and escort” exercise.
The AFP said the activities enhanced coordination, communication and the power of each militaries to operate seamlessly in complex maritime environments.
The joint operations reflect Manila and Washington’s efforts to strengthen defense cooperation as China’s presence grows within the South China Sea, a critical international shipping route with substantial mineral and energy re-sources.
“The MCA provided each forces a chance to reinforce interoperability, deepen operational cooperation, and strengthen joint capabilities amid evolving security challenges,” it said.
Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy lecturer at De La Salle–College of St. Benilde, said such exercises reinforce the Philippines’ capability to guard its maritime claims.
“Continuous exercises allow our troops to share and learn best practices from their counterparts,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat. He added that training with US forces helps Philippine troops respond more effectively to potentially aggressive moves by other actors within the region.
Mr. Cortez also highlighted the broader advantages of maritime drills. They improve disaster response and humanitarian operations, which could be disrupted if military units lack coordination or readiness.
He stressed that these exercises don’t weaken Manila’s ties with Beijing. “For so long as the aim of such exercises is widely known, and no posturing that may very well be seen as provocative occurs, they can’t be misconstrued.”
Francis M. Esteban, a school member on the Far Eastern University Department of International Studies, said stronger cooperation with Washington boosts security but needs to be complemented by engagement with other like-minded partners.
“The US may increasingly hesitate in its global commitments, so Manila must diversify its strategic partnerships,” he said via Messenger.
The Philippines has intensified joint operations with the US and allied nations because it seeks to counter China’s expanding influence within the South China Sea.
China claims nearly your entire waterway under its “nine-dash line,” overlapping the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Analysts said the exercises signal Manila’s commitment to defending its maritime claims while maintaining regional stability. By training with a technologically advanced partner just like the US, the Philippines goals to reinforce operational readiness and ensure its forces can respond effectively to each security and humanitarian challenges.
The AFP said ongoing maritime exercises would proceed as a part of the broader defense strategy, aiming to enhance the Philippines’ ability to operate alongside allies and secure one in every of the world’s busiest and most strategically vital sea lanes.