Philippine Navy joins drills ahead of world's largest naval exercise

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy participated in a live-fire air defense exercise with naval forces from Japan, Singapore and Italy while sailing toward Hawaii for this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, the world's largest international maritime drill.

In a statement released on Facebook on Saturday, June 20, the Philippine Navy said the June 18 exercise formed part of preparations for RIMPAC 2026, which will run from June 24 to July 31 in and around Hawaii.

Joining the exercise were the Philippine Navy's BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6), the Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Steadfast (RSS 70), the Italian Navy's ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P 434), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173).

“During the exercise, participating ships tested their respective air defense systems and fired at an unmanned aerial vehicle target launched from JS Kongo, acting as the simulated low flying hostile aircraft,” the Philippine Navy said. 

“Such training enables the participating navies to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures while enhancing integration among partner navies,” it added.

While en route to Hawaii, the guided-missile frigate joined Singapore's RSS Steadfast and South Korea's ROKS Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687) in a "leapfrog" maneuver, a formation exercise designed to test ship handling, communications and seamanship.

The Navy said the participating vessels alternated as maneuvering ship and formation guide while maintaining a distance of 50 yards from one another.

BRP Miguel Malvar, built by South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered to the Philippines in 2025, is among the country's newest and most capable warships.

The Navy said its participation in RIMPAC 2026 highlights its growing ability to operate modern naval platforms and contribute to multinational maritime operations alongside partner nations.

Held every two years, RIMPAC gathers naval forces from more than 30 countries for a series of maritime exercises aimed at strengthening cooperation, interoperability and regional security.

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