Malaysia, Philippines complete successful joint naval exercise in Lumut

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian and Philippine navies successfully completed a joint naval exercise at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Lumut, Perak on Friday (July 29).

The four-day Maritime Training Activity Malaysia-Philippines programme was initiated by RMN Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters at the Maritime Tactical Centre in Lumut on Monday (July 25).

The headquarters' strategic communications division said in a statement on Friday that the annual bilateral exercise was part of the defence diplomatic programme between the two navies aimed at strengthening cooperation and beefing up regional maritime security.

The exercise involved the implementation of a command post exercise that entailed war simulations using the Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT) at the tactical centre.

ASTT is used to effectively improve the capabilities of RMN officers and personnel in battle training.

The simulation focused on anti-surface and anti-air combat and, for the first time ever, involved maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine helicopters.

Eastern Fleet commander Laksamana Madya Datuk Sabri Zali, who also attended the exercise, said the programme had achieved its objective of enhancing the interoperability and capabilities of both navies in executing joint operations.

Through such exercises, he said, the two navies were able to exchange views as well as pave the way for discussions to solidify ties in defence between the two nations.

“The programme is a platform that strengthens defence cooperation between the two navies.

“Besides that, it also provides exposure to the actual scenario of warfare and is able to improve the competency of both the RMN and Philippine navy.

“This joint exercise is important to enhance maritime ties and indirectly contributes to stability in the region,” Sabri said.

Also present during the exercise was Fleet-Marine Ready Force Philippine Navy commander Brigadier General Edwin E. Amadar.

Sabri said the exercise represented RMN’s commitment to continuous efforts to strengthen ties with naval forces in the region.