Overview

• The two-day operation on September 2–3 took place off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales, in the West Philippine Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
• Participating assets included HMAS Brisbane, HMCS Ville de Québec, BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Miguel Malvar, along with P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft from the United States and Australia.
• Exercises featured photo and passing drills, vertical replenishment, personnel exchanges via rigid-hulled inflatable boat, and a coordinated anti-submarine warfare scenario.
• Statements from participating governments said the activity was conducted consistent with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea with due regard for navigation safety and for freedom of navigation and overflight.
• The Armed Forces of the Philippines described this as the 10th MMCA since April 2024, and U.S. 7th Fleet noted such operations are routine to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.