MANILA, Philippines — Philippine and like-minded forces deployed 11 vessels for joint maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea from April 20 to May 1 as part of this year’s Balikatan (“shoulder-to-shoulder”) exercises, the military said Thursday.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the multinational activity brought together ships and aircraft from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada in one of the more complex naval components of the annual war games.
The Philippine Navy deployed guided-missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15), along with AW159 and AW109 naval helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also sent BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408).
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They operated alongside US vessels USS Ashland (LSD-48) and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), JS Shimokita (LST-4002) and JS Ise (DDH-152); Australia’s HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156); and Canada’s HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339) and MV Asterix.
The drills included anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, air and missile defense, search-and-rescue operations, and replenishment at sea, aimed at improving coordination and operational readiness among participating forces.
“The activity highlights our commitment with allies and partners to strengthen cooperation and maintain regional stability,” the AFP said.
READ: AFP chief: Balikatan 2026 to be ‘biggest’ yet in scope, intensity
Balikatan, the Philippines’ largest annual military exercise with the United States, has expanded in recent years to include more countries and more advanced operations.
Earlier, AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said this year’s iteration of the Balikatan exercises will be the biggest in terms of scope and intensity.
The exercise underscores the Philippines’ push to strengthen interoperability with allies as Balikatan 2026 develops into what military officials described as an “expanded multilateral engagement” involving around 17,000 troops.
The Balikatan activities with like-minded nations began on April 20 and are set to run until May 8 across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The exercise comes as the Philippines deepens defense ties with partner nations amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. /dl
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