PHILIPPINE Army troopers of the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions (ID) have partnered with their counterparts in the United States’ Army Pacific’s 25th Infantry Division for pre-joint drills as part of the ongoing Exercise Balikatan in Fort Magsaysay, marking another milestone in the long-standing bilateral military cooperation.
The drill dubbed “Helocast,” is led by the 25th ID’s Lightning Academy Mobile Training Team, highlighting the use of U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to rapidly insert troops into maritime environments.
This specialized airborne maneuver is deemed critical for military operations in the Philippines’ archipelagic terrain, where swift deployment across water is often essential.
Exercise Balikatan, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, is a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US.
Now in its 40th iteration, the exercise continues to enhance combined and joint force capabilities, focusing on skills that are vital for ensuring regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“Helocasting is considered a critical skill for both forces operating in the archipelagic landscape of the Philippines where rapid deployment across bodies of water can be essential for military operations.” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
This year’s Balikatan exercises will end on May 9, 2025.