Philippines, US hold 9th naval drills in S. China Sea amid regional tensions

THE Philippines and the US held joint maritime exercises in the contested South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday, aiming to strengthen naval coordination and interoperability amid rising regional tensions.

- By Adrian H. Halili Reporter

For the drills, the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Jose Rizal, three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a Black Hawk helicopter, and a Sokol helicopter.

"These assets demonstrated the Philippines' expanding operational readiness and its growing ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios," the AFP said.

The US contingent included the USS Rafael Peralta, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, highlighting capabilities in surveillance, naval warfare and joint operations.

The exercises, conducted on Dec. 9 and 10, marked the fifth of the year and the ninth overall since the drills began in 2023 under the "maritime cooperative activities" (MCA) framework.

"This activity reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States, maintaining the vital role in safeguarding regional peace and ensuring open and secure maritime domains," it said.

Both forces executed division tactics, complex ship maneuvers, low-pass aircraft drills and an "intercept and escort" exercise.