Naval Defense Command

04/06/2026

CARRYING THE PH FLAG ACROSS THE PACIFIC | The Philippine Navy sends off Naval Task Group 84 aboard BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) for the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026 in Hawaii.

NTG 84 carries the nation’s pride as it joins fellow navies in strengthening cooperation, interoperability, and maritime excellence.

Fair winds and following seas, NTG 84!

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

04/06/2026

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday it will deploy one of its most modern guided-missile frigates, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and an AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine warfare helicopter to the US Navy's "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) drills scheduled to start in late June. "The PN…

04/06/2026

02/06/2026

ONE COUNTRY, ONE FLAG, UNITED BY DUTY | Committed to maritime security, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard will proudly sail together in representing the nation at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026.

See how they strengthen partnerships across the Pacific as we bring you updates, stories, and highlights from the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

02/06/2026

WAVE WATCH | PILOT EPISODE

Nasaan ang Philippine Navy?

Sa unang episode ng Wave Watch, ipinaliliwanag ang mandato ng Philippine Navy bilang pangunahing tagapagtanggol ng teritoryo at soberanya ng bansa, at kung bakit ang pagtatanggol sa ating karagatan ay nangangailangan ng disiplina, estratehiya, at pagsunod sa pambansang polisiya at pandaigdigang batas.

💡Wave Watch is the Philippine Navy’s video series that brings you clear and relevant insights on maritime security, naval operations, and the role of the Navy in protecting our seas and sovereignty.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

02/06/2026

PN @ 128 | The Philippine Navy continues to protect the nation’s seas and sovereignty with courage beyond measure. Your sailors and marines embody the true spirit of service, remaining steadfast, mission-focused, and ready to defend the Filipino people at all costs.

As we commemorate the 128th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy, we carry this year’s theme, “PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready,” as a reflection of the commitment to excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino people for your trust, support, and solidarity with the Philippine Navy.

Sa bawat paglalayag at bawat misyong ginagampanan, dala ng ating mga mandirigma at mandaragat ang dangal ng watawat at ang paninindigang ipagtanggol ang kalayaan at kinabukasan ng Pilipinas. Patuloy na matatag. Patuloy na handa. Para sa bayan at sambayanang Pilipino.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

23/05/2026

13/05/2026

NAVAL DEFENSE COMMAND PARTICIPATES IN JOINT MARITIME STRIKE DURING BALIKATAN 41-2026

CULILI POINT, Paoay, Ilocos Norte — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with allied and partner forces, successfully conducted the Maritime Strike (MARSTRIKE) held in Paoay Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte last 06 May 2026 as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026, showcasing integrated multi-domain strike operations against maritime targets.

The exercise brought together forces from the United States Joint Task Force (USJTF), Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Philippine Joint Task Force (PHJTF), and a Canadian naval vessel, integrating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), precision fires, and command-and-control (C2) capabilities into a coordinated operational framework.

The event was witnessed by the Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., the Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and military observers from 19 countries. Highlighting strong international cooperation and commitment to regional security. CAPT RYAN L BAKABAK PN (GSC), the Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations of the Naval Defense Command and the Director of the Exercise Management Group for Balikatan 41-26 Maritime Events delivered the operational briefing which details the concept of operations, sequence of fires, and integration of multinational assets.

The designated target of the event was the decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel PS70 and PS20. The operation commenced with coordinated multi-domain fires initiated by Type-88 missile strikes from the JGSDF, followed by M31A1 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rounds fired from HIMARS and PFAL systems, demonstrating synchronized engagements among participating forces.

Complementing the initial live-fire phase, air-delivered strikes were executed through simulated engagements by Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft employing AGM-65 missiles and A-29 aircraft delivering Mk-82 bombs. These were joined by United States MQ-9 platforms conducting simulated releases of AGM-114R Hellfire missiles. The tactical sequencing culminated with simulated naval gunfire from the 57mm Bofors Mk3 aboard HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339), validating the procedures for complete target neutralization in a joint environment. Simultaneously, Philippine Navy frigates FFG6 and FFG15 conducted simulated fires through a CSTAR-enabled engagements, demonstrating their capability to operate within a networked battlespace and contribute to detection, tracking, and targeting in a joint fires environment.

Throughout the exercise, the Naval Defense Command played a vital role through established command-and-control networks that ensured real-time information exchange, synchronized fire ex*****on, and seamless multinational integration. The MARSTRIKE event underscored the strength of allied and partner nations cooperation while highlighting the AFP’s continuing efforts to develop interoperable, multi-domain capabilities in support of regional maritime security and stability.

12/05/2026

Philippine Navy and Royal Canadian Navy Successfully Conduct Replenishment at Sea (RAS) During Balikatan 41-2026 Sea Phase

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA — Showcasing the growing interoperability and logistical cooperation among allied maritime forces, the Philippine Navy and Royal Canadian Navy successfully conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) exercise on 28 April 2026 as part of the Multinational Maritime Event (MME) phase of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.

The exercise involved the transfer of approximately 30,000 liters of Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO) from the Royal Canadian Navy Auxiliary Ship MV Asterix to Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) while underway in the international waters of the West Philippine Sea.

RAS operations are a critical naval capability that enable warships to sustain prolonged operations at sea without returning to port for fuel and supplies. The successful ex*****on of the exercise demonstrated the participating forces’ capability to conduct complex underway replenishment procedures while maintaining operational tempo in a dynamic maritime environment.

During the evolution, both vessels executed precise ship handling maneuvers, station-keeping procedures, and coordinated communications to safely facilitate the fuel transfer. The activity highlighted the professionalism, seamanship, and technical proficiency of both crews in carrying out high-value logistical operations at sea.

The conduct of the RAS exercise further strengthened maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Canada while enhancing the readiness and endurance of participating naval units. It also emphasized the importance of multinational support capabilities in sustaining combined maritime operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

The successful completion of the activity reflects the continued commitment of partner nations to promote regional security, maritime stability, and a rules-based international order through practical and meaningful naval cooperation under Balikatan 41-2026.

07/05/2026

Multinational Naval Forces Conducts High-Intensity Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX) During Balikatan 41- 2026 Sea Phase

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA — In a historic display of multinational naval integration, a 7-ship task group representing five nations successfully executed a high-intensity Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX) last 26 April 2026 as part of the Multinational Maritime Event (MME) phase of Exercise Balikatan 41- 2026.

The exercise, conducted in the West Philippine Sea, served as the tactical centerpiece of this year's maritime maneuvers. The GUNNEX tested the ability of allied forces to synchronize diverse weapons systems, ranging from 76mm naval guns to close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and .50 caliber machine guns, against simulated surface threats.

The exercise featured an unprecedented assembly of maritime assets, demonstrating the deep security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippine Navy guided-missile frigates BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) and BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) led the maneuvers. The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (L*D 48) of the US Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) provided critical surface and maritime law enforcement expertise. Also, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) committed its formidable ship guided missle destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD-107). While the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG-339) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFG-156) also engaged in the high-intensity gunnery exercise.

Beyond the live-fire evolution, the task group practiced advanced tactical maneuvering and communication protocols. The successful engagement of targets by multiple platforms simultaneously highlighted the high degree of interoperability achieved during this 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.