A week after the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Philippines and Japan have initiated military training, signaling a new phase in defense cooperation between the two countries.

Naval vessels from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted their second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on June 14, following Japan's ratification of the RAA on June 6. The Philippine Senate had previously ratified the troop access pact in December of the previous year.

AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., emphasized that the cooperative activity was more than just a demonstration of maritime capabilities; it symbolized the enduring commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The AFP deployed its newest warship, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), along with an anti-submarine naval helicopter AgustaWestland AW159, an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) C-208 helicopter from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and PAF search and rescue units. Japan, on the other hand, deployed the Takanami-class destroyer JS Takanami (DDG110) and a Sikorsky SH-60K Seahawk multi-mission helicopter.

During the bilateral training, both forces engaged in a series of interoperability exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck exercises, Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX), and a Finish Exercise (FINEX).

General Brawner highlighted that the MCA was not merely a maritime drill but also demonstrated the operationalization of the RAA, paving the way for increased joint training and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) initiatives between the AFP and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

He further emphasized that with the RAA now in effect, coordination between the Philippines and Japan would strengthen, enabling a more responsive approach to the evolving security challenges in the region.

The presence of a Chinese vessel was reported in the exercise area during the training, but it did not disrupt the activities. The AFP had previously noted that Chinese vessels tend to act aggressively once military exercises with allies are concluded and Philippine forces are unaccompanied by troops from other nations.