Saturday, October 12, 2019

WATCH: New PH amphibious assets join U.S., Japan in military drills

From Rappler (Oct 12, 2019): WATCH: New PH amphibious assets join U.S., Japan in military drills

WATCH: New PH amphibious assets join U.S., Japan in military drills

The KAMANDAG 3 joint exercises between the Philippine and US marines marks a significant leap forward in the country's amphibious assault capability with the deployment of its brand new assets



NEW ASSETS. The Philippine Marines along with their US and Japanese counterparts participate in the amphibious landing exercise during the KAMANDAG 2019 drills at Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite on October 12, 2019. Photo by Lito Borras/Rappler

TERNATE, Philippines – For the first time in recent history, the Philippines deployed its own brand new amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) in a joint military exercise with the US and Japan on Saturday, October 12, at Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite.

The Philippine Marine Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines showcased 4 of its fleet of 8 AAVs in this third iteration of the Kaagapay ng Mandirigma ng Dagat (KAMANDAG 3) joint military exercises with the US. The US Marines and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force each deployed 4 AAVs, too.


The scenario was an amphibious assault by the Philippine and US marines to retake an island besieged by terrorists, while the Japanese troops delivered aid and rescued civilians.

Amphibious operations are essential in securing an archipelago like the Philippines. Filipino marines have long trained in this capability with foreign allies, particularly the US. Acquiring their own AAVs and taking them out for a spin alongside powerful traditional allies during KAMANDAG 3 marked a significant milestone for the Marine Corps.

The KAMANDAG 3 series of joint exercises runs until October 18.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.