PH forces, French Navy carrier group hold MCA in WPS

Filipino and French forces held a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on February 21, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saturday.

In a statement, the AFP said this is the third consecutive week of joint maritime activities in the WPS and occurred within the joint operational area of the Northern Luzon Command.

“Through joint maritime cooperative activities and collaborative efforts, the AFP seeks to build a stronger, more resilient defense system that is prepared to address the challenges of the modern security landscape,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.

The Philippines was represented by the new guided missile frigate  BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), C90 aircraft, two FA50 Golden Eagle multi-role fighters, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) units.

The Marine Nationale component was an aircraft carrier strike group centered on the Charles De Gaulle (R91), Fregate Europeenne Multi-Mission Destroyer Provence (D652), Force Supply Vessel Jacques Chevallier (A725), Air Defense Destroyer Forbin (D620), and Aquitaine-class frigate Alsace (D656).

The De Gaulle also carries squadrons of Rafale strike fighters and E-2C Hawkeye command airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.  

Aside from a show of force in the disputed waters, the exercise was aimed “to enhance the two forces’ interoperability, communication, and defense capabilities”, the AFP said.

Among the activities were Communications Check Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Replenishment at Sea, personnel exchange through rigid hull inflatable boats, Anti-submarine warfare exercises, and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training.

In a recent move, more aircraft from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were deployed to the West Philippine Sea after the “dangerous” move of a Chinese military chopper over Bajo de Masinloc.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)  said Wednesday the flight of the Chinese military helicopter three meters close to a Philippine aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc last Tuesday was its “most dangerous” action so far. — RF, GMA Integrated News