All 26 nations that participated in RIMPAC 2016 have been invited to return for RIMPAC 2018. Earlier the Philippines is already sending representative through this exercise, but as an observer only.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet-sponsored RIMPAC exercise, the world’s most massive international naval exercise, is held biennially in waters around the Hawaiian Islands and southern California. the naval and military drill usually lasts a month.
This year RIMPAC, the Philippines might send the Philippine Navy Del Pilar-class frigate and a Tarlac-class landing platform dock including a contingent from the Philippine Marine Corps.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has also been invited to attend this year RIMPAC.
In 2016, the PLAN dispatched five ships and 1,200 personnel including an Anwei-class hospital ship or Peace Ark; a Fusu-class replenishment ship; a Dalao-class submarine rescue ship, and two surface combatant ships.
In Previous RIMPAC exercise which held in 2016, saw a participation of 45 surface ships, five submarines, over 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel from 26 countries.
Russia took part in the exercise in 2012 but has not been invited ever since.
