MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Navy engaged in a maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, involving some of the French and Philippine military's sea and air assets.

The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), which also featured some of French navy's military assets, marked the AFP's third consecutive week of joint maritime activities within the joint operational area of the Northern Luzon Command.

According to the AFP, the activities were designed to enhance their interoperability, communication, and defense capabilities.

The Philippine assets involved in this MCA include: the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), C90 aircraft, two FA50s, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) units.

On the French side, the French Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle (R91), Fregate Europeenne Multi-Mission Destroyer Provence (D652), Force Supply Vessel Jacques Chevallier (A725), Air Defense Destroyer Forbin (D620), and Aquitaine-class frigate Alsace (D656) participated in the exercise. 

The series of drills include Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Replenishment at Sea, personnel exchange through rigid hull inflatable boats, Anti-submarine warfare exercises, and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training. 

The holding of maritime activities with other nations highlights the growing international focus on security in the West Philippine Sea.

“Through joint maritime cooperative activities and collaborative efforts, the AFP seeks to build a stronger, more resilient defense system that is prepared to address the challenges of the modern security landscape,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said in a statement.