U.S. Marines of the 3rd Landing Support Battalion, alongside Army Soldiers, Navy Sailors, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, attend a rehearsal of concept brief for Balikatan 23 at Camp Agnew, Casigueran, April 4, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo)
The Philippines is preparing for the Balikatan 2026 military exercises in Northern Luzon and Palawan scheduled between April 20 to May 8. Seven nations, including the Philippines, the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand, are set to deploy around 17,000 troops. The exercises will run for approximately three weeks, from April 20 to May 11, 2026. This military drill coincides with the 75th anniversary of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
This large-scale exercise involves land, sea, and air forces as well as training in cyberspace. Troops from the Philippines and the US will simulate attacks in maritime areas, coastal defense, integrated missile and air defense and other activities to ensure “free and open Indo-Pacific”.
Japan will also participate in the ground operations, testing their new SSM-1 (Type-88) surface-to-ship missile, signifying deepening defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Warships from four countries will also join the coordinated drills, ranging from deck landing operations and live‑fire gunnery practice to anti‑submarine warfare operations, as well as search‑and‑rescue training.
Ahead of the exercise, the US Marine Corps and Navy, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines had carried out the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) to supply relevant equipment for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) at Port of Cagayan de Oro between March 1 and 28.
Aside from combat exercises, the military officers carried out humanitarian missions. On April 7, military officers built classrooms and donated supplies at Villa Reyes Elementary School, while medical personnel from the US and the Philippine military also conducted health checks and measures for 300 residents over two days from April 8.
“Balikatan 2026 is a powerful demonstration of our ironclad commitment to that alliance. By training together with our friends and partners using the most advanced systems, we are not just enhancing our shared capabilities; we are forging the trust and readiness required to secure a prosperous and peaceful future for the region,” said Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
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