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The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Hobart and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon have successfully completed a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
Naval and air force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on 5 February 2025.
This operation highlights the strong commitment of all four nations to upholding regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in and around the South China Sea, which is fast emerging as a hotbed of great power competition.
Australia’s participation in the MCA included the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Hobart and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. These assets played a key role in supporting the coordinated efforts of regional partners to enhance maritime security and promote adherence to international law.
Engagement in activities such as this reaffirms Australia’s dedication to international cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It also underscores Australia’s commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Strong cooperation and interoperability with regional partners are essential to addressing shared security challenges. Through regular participation in MCAs, Australia enhances its ability to work seamlessly with allies and partners, reinforcing a collective approach to maintaining peace and security in the region.
HMAS Hobart took part in the MCA as part of a six-week regional presence deployment, which demonstrates Australia’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific.
These deployments are a tangible demonstration of Australia’s ability to contribute to regional security and stability while strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations.
