Tri-national amphibious landing exercise complete
A multi-national amphibious landing exercise has been carried out by the armed forces of the US, Philippines and Japan at Katungkulan Beach, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, during Exercise Kamandag 3.
The ship-to-shore manoeuvre came at the end of two weeks of combined training focused on assault amphibious vehicle interoperability.
The exercise saw Philippine and US forces perform reconnaissance of the beach followed by amphibious assault vehicles from all three armed forces launching from Philippine BRP Davao Del Sur and the US Marine Corps’ USS Germantown and coming ashore. Philippine and US marines secured the objective and Japanese soldiers lead a medical evacuation disaster relief drill.
The drill’s success validated the multinational forces’ ability to conduct complex, synchronised amphibious operations.
US Marine 1st Lt Malcolm Dunlop, an AAV platoon commander with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, said: ‘Today was about effectively coordinating with our allies from the Philippines and Japan. AAVs representing each country manoeuvred simultaneously to conduct a movement up the beach. It’s crucial that we know how to do things side by side, so that in the face of serious military or humanitarian crises, we can work together to overcome the challenges that face us.’
Kamandag 3 is a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise with participation from Japan.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
