US EditionUS forces to join combat drills in Philippines to show commitment to Asia while fighting Iran
More than 17,000 troops from seven countries will join the drills, which add Japan’s first combat role and a ship-sinking exercise.
- More than 17,000 American and Filipino troops will participate in the annual Balikatan drills in the Philippines, scheduled to run from April 20 to May 8.
- The record military turnout underscores the Philippines' strategic shift toward external defense amid territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.
- Troops from Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand will join this year's exercises, including a Japanese ship-sinking drill; Philippine Colonel Dennis Hernandez stated the training is purely defensive.
- US Marine Corps Colonel Robert Bunn confirmed the deployment demonstrates Washington's commitment to regional allies despite Middle East conflicts, noting exercises include drone countermeasures.
- Tensions remain high as Manila reported Chinese forces fired flares and allegedly dumped cyanide at the Second Thomas Shoal, while Beijing continues claiming the disputed waters.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Philippines, US military drills underscore Washington's defense commitment, US official says
Japan joins live-fire drills for first time, deepening defense ties with Manila Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand also contribute forces, expanding multinational scope Philippines says drills not aimed at any country amid South China Sea tensions with China MANILA — The latest round of military drills involving the Philippines, the United States and several partner nations […] The post Philippines, US military drills underscore Washingt…
U.S. forces to join combat drills in Philippines to show commitment to Asia while fighting Iran
During the April 20-May 8 maneuvers, called the Balikatan, Japanese forces will fire a missile in a ship-sinking exercise in northwestern Philippine waters facing the disputed South China Sea.
Associated Press News
US forces to join combat drills in Philippines to show commitment to Asia while fighting Iran
Officials say more than 17,000 American and Philippine military personnel will participate in one of their largest annual combat exercises in the country that underscore the United States’ continuing security commitment to Asia.
Balikatan 2026: 17,000 troops in ‘biggest’ edition of PH-US war games yet
Over 17,000 troops from seven countries, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will be holding joint military drills across different parts of the country beginning late April 2026 for Balikatan 2026. While Balikatan is primarily a bilateral joint exercise between treaty-allies the Philippines and the United States, previous iterations have included both ground and maritime troops from “partner” nations. For 2026, Japan, Australi…
US, Philippines Eye Record Military Drills as War Fears Grow
(Bloomberg) — More than 17,000 military personnel will participate in the biggest-ever joint drills by the Philippines, the US and other nations as they rehearse warfighting skills amid tensions with China and the Middle East conflict.
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