HMAS Ballarat has joined ships and aircraft from New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States for a multilateral maritime cooperative activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Conducted from October 30 to 31, the activity brought together Ballarat, Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa, Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal and United States Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald.

The four partner navies exercised anti-submarine warfare, replenishments at sea, communications, combined flying operations and maritime patrol coordination.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren said the activity demonstrated Australia’s commitment to contributing to regional stability and collective security.

“This activity embodies our approach to deterrence through partnership,” Commander Uren said.

“By working together, we strengthen the collective ability of our nations to uphold a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.”

Ballarat’s participation was an important chance to reinforce Australia’s reputation as a trusted and capable regional partner.

“Every time we operate with our friends and allies, we’re building the habits of cooperation that underpin regional resilience,” Commander Uren said.

“These relationships are vital for maintaining peace, deterring aggression and ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and connected.

“It is through regular, meaningful engagement that we enhance interoperability and ensure our combined forces can operate seamlessly when it matters most.”

The maritime cooperative activity highlighted the collective commitment of Australia and its partners to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, and to respect international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Australia continues to reaffirm that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding on the parties.