The Philippine and French navies have successfully wrapped up a significant joint maritime activity aimed at strengthening their defense partnership and operational coordination in Philippine waters.
Enhancing Maritime Interoperability
The two-day Philippines-France Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity concluded on November 28, 2025. It was held in waters around 16 nautical miles east of Luban Point in Mati, Davao Oriental. The exercise was organized by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) alongside the French Navy.
This engagement focused on improving communication, shared maritime awareness, and overall readiness through coordinated naval and air operations. On the final day, the French Navy vessel navigated through the country's archipelagic waters. It was joined by the Philippine Navy's BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), which is part of Joint Task Force Sinaya.
Complex Drills and Air Support
The two navies performed a series of advanced maneuvers designed to test and refine their joint capabilities. These drills included:
- Formation and navigation exercises.
- Simulated replenishment-at-sea operations.
- Close-quarters ship-handling maneuvers.
The Philippine Air Force provided crucial air support, deploying a Black Hawk helicopter and an NV392 aircraft from JTF Sinaya. This air component expanded surveillance coverage and significantly boosted the exercise's effectiveness in achieving its interoperability goals.
A Step in the PN's Modernization
Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, Commander of NFEM, supervised the activity. He emphasized that such professional exchanges build operational synergy between the two nations. The timing of the drill is notable as it comes amid the ongoing transformation of the Philippine Navy's capabilities in Eastern Mindanao.
In September 2025, NFEM formally commissioned three new warships, marking a substantial upgrade to its fleet. The new assets are:
- The guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06).
- Two Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts: BRP Tomas Campo (PG-908) and BRP Albert Majini (PG-909).
These vessels enhance the Navy's ability to patrol, respond swiftly, and project presence in the region. The frigate's multi-role capacity and the missile-armed attack craft are vital for addressing both external and internal security challenges, including insurgent activity and maritime crime.
Broader Strategic Context
The military underscored that the exercise with France goes beyond diplomacy. It actively tests how the Philippines' modernizing naval assets and command structure can integrate with allied forces. This integration is key to enhancing collective maritime security and the country's response to diverse threats across its maritime domains.
Furthermore, the Navy's strategic plan for 2025 includes opening new bases in Mindanao and other areas. This infrastructure development will support the growing fleet, improve sustainment, and enable more frequent deployments, solidifying the nation's maritime defense posture.
