The Philippines, the United States, and Japan have concluded a five-day joint maritime and air exercise in the West Philippine Sea, aimed at enhancing interoperability and regional security cooperation. The drills featured coordinated naval and aerial operations, reaffirming the three nations' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific amid ongoing tensions in contested waters. Officials said the exercise strengthened defense coordination and readiness among allied forces.

The five-day drills brought together warships, coast guard vessels and surveillance and fighter aircraft in operations aimed at improving interoperability among the allies,…

The Philippines, Japan and the US completed their latest round of joint defense exercises in the South China Sea as tensions between Manila and Beijing escalate