Philippine and Australian forces conducted a large-scale exercise Sunday simulating the recapture of an enemy-held island near the South China Sea.
According to the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 1,000 troops aboard small assault boats stormed the shores of San Vicente, Palawan, as part of the drill.
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) August 24, 2025
The exercise involved the AFP’s Marine Battalion Landing Team-11, 61st Force Recon Company with Small Unit Riverine Craft and Patrol Craft from the Marine Corps Assault Boat Battalion, Marine Battalion Landing Team-9, Marine Battalion Landing Team-7, and two FA-50 fighter jets providing air support.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployed a Joint Pre-Landing Force with Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts, HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) with an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a RAAF EA-18G Growler for electronic warfare support.
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey also observed the exercise.
The AFP said the drills showcased “interoperability, rapid deployment, and strengthened maritime security cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.”
The drills are part of Exercise Alon, involving more than 3,600 personnel, including observers from the U.S., Canada, and Indonesia. Activities have included naval maneuvers with Philippine, Australian, and Canadian warships, as well as a live-fire exercise at Fort Magsaysay.
The exercise, which began on August 15, is scheduled to conclude on August 29.
During 🇦🇺’s largest overseas military exercise in 2025, Exercise Alon, HMAS Brisbane III and @Philippine_Navy ship BRP Jose Rizal conducted a light line transfer while operating as part of the Maritime Task Group.
The transfer is a method of passing light cargo between ships.… pic.twitter.com/TqSUAl2hWP
— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) August 28, 2025
Philippine, Australian Forces Stage Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in Fort Magsaysay
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) conducted a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFX) at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on August 27 as part of… pic.twitter.com/xQzpa17fi6
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) August 27, 2025
The military exercises come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where Philippine and Chinese vessels have increasingly clashed.
