Australia, Canada, the Philippines and the United States have successfully conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

The MCA was conducted from 2 to 3 September 2025, with the Royal Australian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane participating alongside the Philippine Navy’s frigate BRP Jose Rizal and the Royal Canadian Navy’s frigate HMCS Ville de Québec.

P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Navy also supported the activity.

This MCA demonstrates the collective commitment of Australia and its partners to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Such activities provide critical opportunity for partner nations to conduct training and operate together at sea, enhancing interoperability and strengthening cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Australia reaffirms the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding on the parties. 

Media note:
Imagery of this activity is available from https://images.defence.gov.au/S20252397