MANILA, Philippines — In a significant display of naval collaboration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted joint exercises in the West Philippine Sea on June 14, 2025, shortly after Japan ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to facilitate increased military interactions between the two nations.

The exercise showcased various military assets, with the AFP deploying an anti-submarine helicopter, the BRP Miguel Malvar, along with a Philippine Air Force C-208 aircraft and Search and Rescue units.

The JMSDF contributed the destroyer JS Takanami and an SH-60K Seahawk helicopter to the operations.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, confirmed that the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) occurred within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), specifically from west of Zambales to the west-northwest of Occidental Mindoro.

The MCA included essential components such as communication checks, anti-submarine warfare tactics, cross-deck exercises, photo finish drills, and division tactics maneuvers.

The AFP emphasized that this exercise was not merely a maritime drill but also demonstrated the operationalization of the recently ratified RAA.

This agreement aims to establish a framework for enhanced joint training and cooperative humanitarian assistance and disaster response scenarios between the AFP and JMSDF.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the AFP, highlighted the strategic implications of the MCA, stating that the exercises illustrate a commitment to maintaining peace and stability in accordance with the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

He noted that the implementation of the RAA is set to strengthen the coordination between the two countries, increasing their responsiveness to evolving security challenges.

In a related initiative, the Philippine Army’s Aviation Regiment recently conducted a Maritime Air Patrol (MARPAT) mission in the Philippine Sea.

Utilizing a twin-engine Cessna 421B aircraft, the mission focused on maritime domain awareness over Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan provinces, including areas within the Philippine EEZ around the Philippine Rise.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, the Army spokesman, stated that this mission aligned with the Army’s Land Defense Concept and supported the Department of National Defense’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

The MARPAT operation occurred a day before the Philippines celebrated its 127th Independence Day, underscoring the role of the Aviation Regiment in protecting national sovereignty.

The AFP has indicated that the Aviation Regiment regularly conducts such missions across the nation’s various regions, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Army chief Lt. General Roy Galido stressed the importance of inter-service collaboration, citing the need for the Army, Navy, and Air Force to work together effectively to bolster national defense.

He pointed out that ongoing cross-training among the services fosters strong working relationships that enhance interoperability.