Over the weekend, the navies of the Philippines and Japan engaged in their second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) after the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in July 2024.

The MCA involved various exercises such as communication checks, anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck exercises, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), photo exercises, and a Finish exercise (FINEX) between the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Participating in the recent MCA were the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, its assigned AW159 anti-submarine helicopter, a PAF C-208 ISR aircraft, and search and rescue units. Japan deployed the destroyer JS Takanami and its embarked SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.

In a statement on Sunday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that the cooperative activity signifies a commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

General Brawner highlighted that with the RAA now in effect, coordination between the Philippines and Japan will strengthen, enabling them to address the challenges in their shared environment more effectively.

The RAA was signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in July, aiming to enhance defense cooperation amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Earlier in April 2024, leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States released a Joint Vision Statement indicating the potential for increased combined naval training and exercises. Manila is expected to receive support for its defense modernization priorities.

Prior to this, naval and air forces from the Philippines, Japan, the United States, and Australia conducted a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen regional and international cooperation.