The Canadian Armed Forces issued an official statement on September 14, 2026, confirming Canada’s participation in a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) conducted this week in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
“In support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and reflecting their collective commitment to enhanced regional and international cooperation, the armed forces of Canada, the Philippines, and the United States conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on September 11, 2026,” the Canadian Government said in a statement. “These military activities were conducted in a manner consistent with international law, with due regard for the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states. This activity underscores the participating nations’ shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and respect for maritime rights in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Regina, along with its embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, participated in the MCA alongside the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, and the United States Navy. Participating forces operated together to enhance cooperation and interoperability, building on the progress achieved during previous MMCAs.
The activity aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement under Operation HORIZON, which features regular Royal Canadian Navy deployments to the region. HMCS Regina had previously taken part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. Canada-Philippines defence relations have grown in recent years through a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.
These cooperative maritime activities have become a recurring element of operations in Philippine waters, allowing partner forces to practice shared procedures while affirming support for freedom of navigation and overflight under UNCLOS.
