Philippines, Japan and United States Conduct Joint Military Drills in South China Sea to Boost Maritime Security

The navies of the Philippines, Japan and the United States conducted joint military exercises in the South China Sea this week, strengthening cooperation among the three allies, the Philippine Armed Forces said on Friday.

According to the Philippine military, the joint activity underscores the sustained commitment of partner forces to enhance interoperability, reinforce maritime security, and improve Maritime Domain Awareness across the region.

Since 2023, the Philippines has worked with several countries to assert its rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. China claims most of the resource-rich waterway and continues to reject a 2016 arbitral award that invalidated its historical claims over much of the area.

During the latest drills, the Philippines deployed the BRP Antonio Luna, along with helicopters and fighter jets. Japan sent a P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, while the United States deployed the USS Dewey guided-missile destroyer and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

The exercises included replenishment-at-sea operations, joint air patrols, fly-bys and communications check drills aimed at improving coordination between participating forces.

Earlier in February, the Philippines also conducted similar joint exercises with Australia and the United States on February 15 and 16, further strengthening defense partnerships in the strategically important South China Sea.