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Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026
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Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
Joint naval and air forces conclude planned drills in the West Philippine Sea amid heightened regional tensions
Australian, Philippine and United States naval and air units have successfully concluded the fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing ongoing defence cooperation and interoperability between the three partners.
The activity, coordinated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), brought together surface vessels and aircraft to conduct a series of routine maritime operations and exercises designed to strengthen collective readiness and promote stability in the region.
Participating units from Australia, the Philippines and the United States operated in Philippine waters recognised under international law, executing manoeuvres that emphasised communication, navigational coordination and combined fleet operations.
The AFP described the drills as part of a broader commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, supporting regional peace, and enhancing mutual defence capabilities against shared challenges at sea.
During the activity, naval personnel monitored the presence of two vessels identified as belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Navy near Bajo de Masinloc, a location within the exercise area that has been subject to competing maritime claims.
AFP officials reported that these vessels were observed at a distance and did not interfere with scheduled drills.
The MMCA series underscores deepening strategic ties among the three countries, building on established defence agreements and shared priorities in maritime security.
The AFP reiterated its commitment to working with allied forces to maintain safe and open sea lanes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and to defend sovereign rights within the West Philippine Sea.
Australian and U.S. commanders highlighted the importance of regular cooperative engagements to strengthen interoperability and respond effectively to evolving regional security dynamics.
The successful completion of the fourteenth MMCA comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to reinforce unity among like-minded nations devoted to peaceful cooperation and respect for international norms in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
The activity, coordinated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), brought together surface vessels and aircraft to conduct a series of routine maritime operations and exercises designed to strengthen collective readiness and promote stability in the region.
Participating units from Australia, the Philippines and the United States operated in Philippine waters recognised under international law, executing manoeuvres that emphasised communication, navigational coordination and combined fleet operations.
The AFP described the drills as part of a broader commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, supporting regional peace, and enhancing mutual defence capabilities against shared challenges at sea.
During the activity, naval personnel monitored the presence of two vessels identified as belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Navy near Bajo de Masinloc, a location within the exercise area that has been subject to competing maritime claims.
AFP officials reported that these vessels were observed at a distance and did not interfere with scheduled drills.
The MMCA series underscores deepening strategic ties among the three countries, building on established defence agreements and shared priorities in maritime security.
The AFP reiterated its commitment to working with allied forces to maintain safe and open sea lanes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and to defend sovereign rights within the West Philippine Sea.
Australian and U.S. commanders highlighted the importance of regular cooperative engagements to strengthen interoperability and respond effectively to evolving regional security dynamics.
The successful completion of the fourteenth MMCA comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to reinforce unity among like-minded nations devoted to peaceful cooperation and respect for international norms in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
