BRP Miguel Malvar joins joint drills in first-ever mission in India
· philstarMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy described as a "historic milestone" the arrival of the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) in Visakhapatnam, India, to take part in the 3rd Indian Navy International Fleet Review (IFR) and the Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 2026.
The deployment marks the first time the Philippine Navy has participated in a naval exercise hosted in India and the first foreign mission for FFG-06, according to the Navy in a statement on Sunday, February 16.
Sailing as part of Naval Task Group 80.5, BRP Miguel Malvar left the Philippines on February 5 and arrived in Visakhapatnam on February 14.
"The PN's participation in both IFR and MILAN 2026 places the Philippines together with major maritime partners in a forum designed to promote peace, maritime stability, and cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific Region," the Navy said, as quoted in a state news release.
International fleet review, exercises
The 3rd IFR is scheduled on February 18, with Indian President Droupadi Murmu serving as reviewing officer.
The Navy said the event will gather naval forces from friendly countries to showcase capabilities and commitment to collective maritime security and cooperation.
MILAN 2026 will run from February 19 to 26. During the harbor phase, the Philippine contingent will join multinational maritime engagements, professional exchanges and an international maritime seminar involving navy chiefs and senior leaders.
The sea phase will feature tactical maneuvers, communications drills and maritime security operations aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating navies.
Closer ties
The Indian Navy welcomed the arrival of BRP Miguel Malvar in a February 14 social media post.
"Indian Navy welcomes BRP Miguel Malvar, a frigate of Philippine Navy, on her arrival at Visakhapatnam to participate in International Fleet Review 2026 and MILAN 2026," it said, using hashtags that emphasized "Bridges of Friendship" and "United Through Oceans."
The deployment comes amid expanding defense ties between Manila and New Delhi. In recent years, the Philippines and India have expanded cooperation in maritime security through port calls, joint patrols, high-level exchanges and defense agreements, reflecting shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.