US, Japan, Canada, Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Drills in South China Sea
Manila, Philippines – The Sama Sama 2024naval exercises, involving the United States, Japan, Canada, and the Philippines, entered its sea phase this week, according to the USNI News. This marks theeighth iteration of the annual drills, which began as a bilateral exercise between the US and the Philippines in 2017 and have since expanded to include otherallied nations.
The two-week exercise, which commenced on October 7th, is divided into onshore and offshore phases. The opening ceremony and onshore portion of the drills focused on enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine Navy, including training onover-the-horizon target engagements, counter-drone operations, and simulated submarine hunting alongside allied vessels.
Participating forces include the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG-83),the Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH-331), and the Philippine Navy’s newly commissioned Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150). Additionally, the exercise features aircraft such as ship-borne helicopters, Philippine Air Force ScanEagle drones,US Navy P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft, and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force contingent comprising P-1 anti-submarine patrol aircraft and US-2 amphibious aircraft.
Personnel from Australia, the United Kingdom, and France are also participating in the exercise, though their roles are unclear.
The Philippine Navy, in a press release, highlighted the exercise’s significance in demonstrating the commitment of different nations to enhance interoperability in modern warfare and joint patrols.
During the drills, the BRP Jose Rizal conducted a nighttime exercise with the USS Howard and HMCS Vancouver, simulating real-world scenarios of patrolling disputed waters.
The Sama Sama 2024 exercises come amidst heightened tensions in the South China Sea, a region claimed by several countries, including China, which has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims. The joint drills are seen as a demonstration of theUS and its allies’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
References:
- USNI News: [Link to article]
- US Navy: [Link to news release]
- Philippine Navy: [Link to press release]
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