3 weeks ago
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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), a key bilateral activity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Carrier Strike Group, showcased the military capabilities of both nations in an effort to enhance their interoperability, communication and strategic defense operations.
Armed Forces of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — In a demonstration of their growing commitment to regional security, the Philippines and France conducted joint naval and air operations in the West Philippine Sea on Friday to further strengthen defense cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), a key bilateral activity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Carrier Strike Group, showcased the military capabilities of both nations in an effort to enhance their interoperability, communication and strategic defense operations.
The French fleet, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, included the multi-mission frigate Provence, the supply vessel Jacques Chevallier, the air defense destroyer Forbin and the Aquitaine-class frigate Alsace.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy and Air Force deployed key assets, including the ships Jose Rizal and Gregorio del Pilar, a C90 aircraft, two FA50 fighter jets and several search and rescue units.
According to AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the joint drills were conducted within the operational area of the Northern Luzon Command.
The drills featured communication check exercises, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercises, replenishment at sea, personnel exchange via rigid hull inflatable boats, anti-submarine warfare exercises and dissimilar aircraft combat training.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said these exercises emphasize AFP’s role in strengthening its defense capabilities amid emerging security challenges.
“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,” he said.
The French strike group’s three-day visit to the Philippines is part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, a deployment in the Indo-Pacific region aimed at reaffirming France’s commitment to regional security and freedom of navigation.
France has previously participated in multilateral MCAs in the West Philippine Sea alongside the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The latest MCA with France marks the third activity conducted this month between the AFP and the forces of allied nations.
The first MCA, held on Feb. 5, involved the United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and interoperability in the region.
Meanwhile, the second MCA, on Feb. 9, centered on maritime communication and planning exercises to reinforce regional stability between the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
