Philippines, Australia, Canada stage joint maritime drill

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - The navies of the Philippines, Australia and Canada carried out a joint maritime exercise east of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said Wednesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the drill involved the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the Australian guided missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) and the Canadian guided missile frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH-332). The exercise formed part of this year’s Amphibious Land Operation (ALON) 2025, Manila’s largest overseas military drill.

According to the AFP, the exercise featured two main components. The first was an air defense exercise that tested the ships’ ability to counter simulated aerial threats through coordinated defensive measures. The second was a photo exercise that showcased precision formation sailing and multinational naval professionalism.

"As a key component of Exercise 'ALON' 2025, this engagement reaffirms the AFP's commitment to advancing defense cooperation with like-minded nations," the statement said.