PH, 7 countries join drills in West Philippine Sea

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Naval vessels from the Philippines and seven other countries sailed into the West Philippine Sea for a joint maritime exercise on Wednesday, the Philippine Navy said on Friday.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the activity was part of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders' Program.

Led by the Philippines, the exercises involved participating forces from the United States, Japan, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and Brunei.

The Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FFG14) led the column formation as other warships performed coordinated maneuvering and navigation at sea.

Other participating vessels were the following:

• Philippines: Landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD601)
• United States: US Navy littoral combat ship
• Australia: Royal Australian Navy frigate
• Japan: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer
• New Zealand: Royal New Zealand Navy frigate and sustainment vessel
• India: Indian Navy frigate and corvette
• Singapore: Republic of Singapore Navy littoral ship
• Brunei: Royal Brunei Navy patrol ship

Participants take action during the drills as part of the At-Sea Phase of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS JCA and FLP in the West Philippine Sea, September 23, 2026. Photo from PH Navy

As part of the joint operations, the Philippine Navy deployed an AW159 Wildcat helicopter to carry out a simulated medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

During the simulation, the helicopter airlifted a mock casualty from Japan’s JS Ise and transported the patient to BRP Jose Rizal for immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

The Philippine Navy said the joint activity aims to strengthen operational interoperability, improve practical cooperation, and facilitate knowledge sharing among the forces.

“Through the activity, the Philippine Navy continues to strengthen interoperability and cooperation with regional and international partners in support of a secure, peaceful, and resilient maritime region,” the Philippine Navy said. —VAL, GMA News