Camille Naredo

PAOAFP personnel disembark from the PN AW-159 after completing their onboard coverage during the cross-deck landing activity on JS Harusame during the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines and Japan, November 29, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea. SN2 Joseph Dizon PN, PAOAFP

PAOAFP personnel disembark from the PN AW-159 after completing their onboard coverage during the cross-deck landing activity on JS Harusame during the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines and Japan, November 29, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea.

Article (news)

WEST PH SEA

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764524075709587001142_1241565251339216_3185212805342479041_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="PAOAFP personnel disembark from the PN AW-159 after completing their onboard coverage during the cross-deck landing activity on JS Harusame during the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines and Japan, November 29, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea. SN2 Joseph Dizon PN, PAOAFP" width="960"/>PAOAFP personnel disembark from the PN AW-159 after completing their onboard coverage during the cross-deck landing activity on JS Harusame during the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines and Japan, November 29, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea. SN2 Joseph Dizon PN, PAOAFP</div>WEST PHILIPPINE SEA — The Philippines and Japan concluded their third Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (BMCA) on Saturday, underscoring a quiet but firm commitment to regional security.While joint naval drills have become frequent across the West Philippine Sea, this latest exercise focused on improving the partnership&#x27;s advanced, real-time communication and coordination.The one-day naval training aimed to boost cooperation and interoperability.Its core objective was to sharpen the skills of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in securing the seas and enhancing their Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and how well they can monitor and understand everything happening in their surrounding waters.This deepening defense relationship was most evident in the successful maneuvers conducted by the participating vessels, which included the Philippines&#x27; BRP Antonio Luna and Japan&#x27;s JS Harusame.A key highlight was the cross-deck landing drill.This exercise involved a Philippine Navy AW159 Anti-Submarine Helicopter repeatedly practicing landings on the flight decks of both the Philippine and Japanese ships.Beyond the helicopter landings, the ships also engaged in Division Tactics.This involved the JS Harusame and BRP Antonio Luna practicing specific formations and movements, a crucial element for coordinated patrolling and response to maritime incidents.For the Philippines, the successful execution of this third BMCA is a clear signal that its alliances are maturing beyond basic exchanges.It demonstrates that the AFP is actively working to integrate its newest assets, like the BRP Antonio Luna, with those of key strategic partners, bolstering the collective ability to maintain stability in maritime security.Overall, the maritime drills were a success, cementing the operational readiness of the two nations&#x27; navies and establishing a precedent for higher-level collaborative exercises in the future.

The Philippines and Japan concluded their third Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (BMCA) on Saturday, underscoring a quiet but firm commitment to regional security.

The Philippines and Japan concluded their third Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (BMCA) on Saturday, underscoring a quiet but firm commitment to regional security.

Philippines, Japan elevate maritime watch in West PH Sea

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Philippines, Japan elevate maritime watch in West PH Sea

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 01, 2025 01:36 AM PHT

Read More:

Japan

Philippines

Navy

AFP

BMCA

Maritime

West Philippine Sea

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