Philippines, Japan and US Conduct Joint Maritime Activity in Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone

October 26, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

The Philippines, Japan and the United States conducted a five-day maritime cooperative activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, bringing together naval, coast guard and air assets for exercises focused on maritime surveillance, law enforcement and search and rescue.

The activity, completed on October 24, 2026, was the 14th such operation conducted by the three countries in 2026, according to a statement from the participating forces.

The exercise involved the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and US Coast Guard. Participating assets included Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang, Japanese destroyer JS Kirisame and US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf, alongside Philippine Coast Guard and air force units.

The five-day operation focused on improving coordination between the participating forces, including maritime domain awareness, maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue procedures. The exercise also incorporated specialised procedures and maritime doctrines developed during previous cooperative activities.

The participating forces said the operations were conducted in accordance with international law, with due regard for the safety of navigation and the rights and freedoms of other nations.

The activity forms part of ongoing cooperation among the three countries in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States and its allies have emphasised freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the seas and international airspace under international law.

The latest exercise brought together Philippine, Japanese and US maritime forces as they continued efforts to improve operational coordination and proficiency at sea.

Source: FSX Business News