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PH, US, And Australia Sail Together In 14th Maritime Drill To Boost Regional Security
Photo credit: AFP
The Philippines, Australia, and the United States flexed their maritime muscles this week as they wrapped up the 14th Philippine-Australia-United States Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Held on February 15–16, 2026, the two-day exercise highlighted the three nations’ ongoing commitment to keeping the region safe and secure.
Philippine forces brought a full lineup to the table, from the BRP Diego Silang (FFG7) and AW109 helicopters to FA-50 fighter jets, A-29 Super Tucanos, C-208Bs, and Sokol search-and-rescue helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also joined in with the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701). Across the seas, Australia sent HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) with an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon, while the US deployed USS Dewey (DDG 105) along with another P-8A Poseidon.
The drills weren’t just for show. Participants conducted communication exercises, maritime domain awareness events, and division tactics to fine-tune coordination and maneuvering skills. They also ran photo exercises, replenishment at sea, and wrapped up with a hotwash to gather insights for future joint operations.
As the first multilateral maritime activity of 2026, the 14th MMCA sends a clear message: the Philippines, Australia, and the US are serious about interoperability, freedom of navigation, and upholding international law in the region’s waters.
Philippine forces brought a full lineup to the table, from the BRP Diego Silang (FFG7) and AW109 helicopters to FA-50 fighter jets, A-29 Super Tucanos, C-208Bs, and Sokol search-and-rescue helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also joined in with the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701). Across the seas, Australia sent HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) with an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon, while the US deployed USS Dewey (DDG 105) along with another P-8A Poseidon.
The drills weren’t just for show. Participants conducted communication exercises, maritime domain awareness events, and division tactics to fine-tune coordination and maneuvering skills. They also ran photo exercises, replenishment at sea, and wrapped up with a hotwash to gather insights for future joint operations.
As the first multilateral maritime activity of 2026, the 14th MMCA sends a clear message: the Philippines, Australia, and the US are serious about interoperability, freedom of navigation, and upholding international law in the region’s waters.
Feb 17, 2026
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