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

The Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigate, HMAS Toowoomba, and its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter trained with the Philippine Navy offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman from 11 to 12 April 2026.

The Philippine Coast Guard Teresa patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino; Philippine Air Force FA-50PH Fighting Eagle, A-29B Super Tucano aircraft and personnel from the United States Navy amphibious landing ship USS Ashland also participated in components of the MCA from 9 to 10 April 2026.

Australia’s participation alongside the Philippines and the United States underscores our commitment to regional and international cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Maritime activities with our partners enhance our interoperability, cooperation and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.

The MCA demonstrates our commitment to upholding international law including freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Australia reaffirms the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding on the parties.

HMAS Toowoomba is currently conducting a Regional Presence Deployment to the Indo-Pacific. 

Regional Presence Deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment and ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region to support regional security and stability.

Media note

Updates from HMAS Toowoomba will be posted to the Regional Presence Deployment blog at: https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-02-10/regional-presence-deployments-continue-2026.