Australia, the Philippines and the United States conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on August 19 to 25.

The MCA included the Royal Australian Navy’s Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, HMAS Supply, with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, supported by a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The activity also involved the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang and its embarked AW109 helicopter; Philippine Air Force FA-50PH and A-29B aircraft; Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua; United States Navy (USN) Independence Class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara; and a USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. 

Activities such as this underscore Australia’s commitment to regional and international cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and reinforce our ability to respond to challenges that threaten our shared interests.

The MCA demonstrates Australia’s commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight under international law, and to contribute, alongside partners, to deterring actions that undermine regional security, stability and lawful use of the maritime domain. Australia reaffirms the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding on the parties.

HMAS Supply is currently conducting a Regional Presence Deployment in 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
Imagery of this activity is available from https://images.defence.gov.au/S20262655  

Updates from HMAS Supply 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.