A Philippine Air Force FA50 Golden Eagle files in formation with French Navy Rafale fighters over the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle. Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippines and French forces conduct joint Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea Saturday.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this is the third consecutive week of joint maritime activities in the WPS, within the 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 National 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.