The Philippine and United States militaries yesterday kicked off three weeks of joint exercises that will simulate a “full-scale battle scenario,” as the two allies seek to strengthen defense cooperation in the face of China’s expansionist moves in the South China Sea.
Some 18,000 troops are expected to take part in the annual “Balikatan,” or “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills, which for the first time will include an integrated air and missile defense simulation to be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos.
Approximately 6,000 AFP personnel were deployed for the drills, mainly from Northern Luzon Command and Western Command.
The US deployed approximately 12,000 personnel, including support staff.
State-of-the-art US weapons, including the “highly mobile” NMESIS anti-ship missile system, will also be deployed, including near a crucial choke point in the waters separating the northern Philippines from self-ruled Taiwan.
This year, representatives of 20 other militaries are participating as observers, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Romeo Brawner, Jr. said as he officially opened the 40th iteration of the annual war games traditionally held only between the Philippines and the US.
“Our operations span complex joint endeavors, including missile defense, counter-landing live fires and maritime strike capabilities, alongside humanitarian efforts and infrastructure projects that directly benefit our local communities,” he noted.
Observers include Brunei, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Australia sent a 200-strong contingent, Japan sent 56, and the UK deployed 11.
The AFP earlier said the participation of friendly nations in the exercises could develop into multilateral engagements, signaling a growing alliance.
“We will demonstrate not just our will to uphold our mutual defense treaty in existence since 1951 but our matchless capability to do so,” US Marine Corps Lieutenant General James Glynn said during the Balikatan opening ceremony.
“Nothing builds bonds more quickly than shared adversity,” he added, without specifying a common threat.
Philippines Major General Francisco Lorenzo added that the exercises would reinforce the country’s ability to address “contemporary security challenges.”
He added that they would reinforce the country’s ability to address “contemporary security challenges.”
The two primary participants said Balikatan will strengthen their abilities to detect aerial and missile threats.
This is through Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise that will be held in Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in San Antonio, Zambales.
According to the AFP, the drills aim to enhance interoperability between the AFP and US military forces, improving its ability to detect, track, and neutralize aerial and missile threats.
“During this year’s Balikatan, we underscore our drive to modernize the armed forces of the Philippines, enhancing interoperability with our allies and reinforcing the comprehensive archipelagic defense concept,” Brawner said.
The IAMD drills also aim to strengthen multi domain defense coordination, test advanced air defense systems and refine joint response procedures. With AFP
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “‘Balikatan 2025’ begins with other nations joining as observers.”