Overview
- In the MARSTRIKE live fire last week, U.S., Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces linked sensors and launchers to sink two decommissioned Philippine Navy ships off Northern Luzon.
- Footage reviewed after the event showed one of two Japanese Type‑88 anti‑ship missiles appeared to overshoot BRP Quezon even as the target later went under, clarifying what observers saw during the strike.
- Japan’s shot marked the first Type‑88 firing outside its borders under new access rules, and officials from Tokyo and Manila said the event proved they can plug Japanese missiles into allied targeting networks.
- A second target corvette went down under Philippine Air Force strikes, with FA‑50 jets and A‑29 light attack planes using guided missiles and 500‑pound bombs to finish the hulk.
- China denounced the exercise and later flew armed anti‑ship bombers over Scarborough Shoal, while Japan’s defense chief and his Philippine counterpart agreed to fast‑track transfers of older Japanese destroyers and patrol aircraft.