US, Philippines Drills Highlight Indo-Pacific Defense Ties

The annual “Balikatan” exercises involving the Philippines and the United States military will bring together more than 17,000 troops and multiple allies, underscoring Washington’s commitment to regional security.

14.04.2026 19:00

Newsroom

US, Philippines Drills Highlight Indo-Pacific Defense Ties

epa06000947 Trapped Filipino villagers are escorted by government troops during a rescue operation as fighting between Islamist militants and government forces continues in Marawi city, Mindanao island, southern Philippines, 31 May 2017. According to news reports, at least 104 people have been killed, including militants, security forces and civilians. The Philippines Army soldiers fighting in the area are enacting the martial law, declared by president Rodrigo Duterte for the island of Mindanao on the same day that the conflict emerged. The clashes began on 23 May when a military operation failed to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the extremist group Abu Sayyaf who was being safeguarded by members of the Maute Group, both groups have links to the so-called Islamic State (IS or ISIS, ISIL). EPA/FRANCIS R. MALASIG

14.04.2026 19:00

World

Newsroom

The annual “Balikatan” exercises involving the Philippines and the United States military will bring together more than 17,000 troops and multiple allies, underscoring Washington’s commitment to regional security.

The latest round of military exercises involving the United States military and the Philippines, along with several partner nations, will reinforce Washington’s defense commitment to the Indo-Pacific, according to a U.S. military official.

The annual “Balikatan” drills, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder,” will run from April 20 to May 8 across multiple locations in the Philippines and involve more than 17,000 troops.

Expanding multinational participation

This year’s exercises mark one of the largest and most complex iterations of Balikatan, expanding beyond a bilateral format into a broader multinational operation.

Japan will take part in live-fire drills for the first time, including the use of its Type 88 surface-to-ship missile in a maritime strike exercise involving a decommissioned vessel.

The participation reflects growing defense ties between Tokyo and Manila following a reciprocal access agreement signed in 2024.

Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand are also contributing personnel, ships, and aircraft, further widening the scope of cooperation.

US highlights ‘ironclad’ alliance

U.S. spokesperson Colonel Robert Bunn said the drills demonstrate an “ironclad alliance” and Washington’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

He said the scale of the exercises shows sustained engagement in the region despite competing global security challenges.

Thousands of U.S. personnel will take part, supporting readiness, regional stability, and joint operational capability.

Regional tensions provide backdrop

The exercises come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has accused China of increasingly aggressive behavior — allegations Beijing has denied.

Philippine military spokesperson Colonel Dennis Hernandez said the drills are not directed at any country and reflect Manila’s right to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Activities will span air, land, sea, and cyber domains, including maritime operations, missile defense exercises, counter-landing drills, and humanitarian missions.