The Philippine and United States navies conducted an advanced anti-submarine warfare exercise on July 13 as part of force integration training for the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026.
The drill involved the Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) and a US Navy fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
During the Combined Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise, or CASEX, the BRP Miguel Malvar served as a close-in escort for a simulated high-value unit represented by the USS Paul Hamilton.
The Philippine frigate escorted the destroyer toward an imaginary goal line while coordinating with the US Navy aircraft, which acted as the Search and Attack Unit Commander.
The exercise provided the participating ships and aircraft with a realistic scenario involving submarine search, detection, localization and simulated attack operations.
It also gave the BRP Miguel Malvar crew firsthand experience in commanding and controlling anti-submarine warfare teams composed of surface vessels and aircraft, as well as executing submarine-evasion tactics.
The Philippine Navy said its participation in RIMPAC would help advance its operational capabilities and strengthen maritime cooperation with partner forces.
RIMPAC is regarded as the world’s largest international maritime exercise and is intended to improve interoperability among participating navies while promoting regional security and stability.