Copyright defence-blog
The armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States carried out a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone from October 30 to 31, 2025, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. According to a statement, the two-day exercise was conducted to strengthen interoperability among the participating nations and to reinforce a unified approach toward maintaining an open maritime environment under international law. “These combined maritime capabilities build upon previous MCAs and our continuous operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our armed and defense forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the announcement said. Participating vessels and aircraft included a mix of advanced platforms from all four countries. The Royal Australian Navy deployed the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), while New Zealand contributed its Polar-class sustainment ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A11). The Philippine Navy operated its Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), supported by an AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, and a W-3A Sokol helicopter from the Philippine Air Force. The United States participated with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadrons 4 and 45. The MCA took place entirely within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and, according to the statement, was conducted “in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.” The participating forces emphasized that their operations underscore collective resolve to ensure that sea lanes remain open and secure for lawful international activity. The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the exercise reaffirms ongoing coordination with allied and partner nations in preserving maritime stability and deterring coercive actions in contested waters. The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with Indo-Pacific partners to sustain what it describes as “a free and open Indo-Pacific region.” For Washington and its allies, the joint maritime patrol symbolizes a deliberate, visible reminder of coalition presence amid regional disputes. Conducted near contested maritime boundaries, such coordinated operations are intended to demonstrate unity of purpose and capability among Indo-Pacific democracies, particularly as regional tensions persist over maritime claims and security challenges.
