QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The annual Balikatan 2025 joint military drills have officially begun, showcasing international cooperation and enhanced defense readiness. More than 17,000 troops from the Philippines and the United States are participating, alongside key allies Japan and Australia.
Scheduled to run until early May, this year’s drills focus on advanced warfare training, featuring U.S. high-tech weaponry such as the NMESIS anti-ship missile system. The exercises cover critical defense capabilities across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains, reinforcing allied security in the Indo-Pacific region.
A major highlight includes a Multilateral Maritime Event, with coordinated naval maneuvers between vessels from the Philippines, U.S., and Japan. A key maritime strike exercise off Zambales is set for May 5, to be observed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China continues assertive actions against Philippine vessels, Balikatan 2025 serves as both a defense exercise and a united message of deterrence. A total of 19 nations are observing the drills, including countries from Europe and ASEAN, reflecting widespread global interest.
Military officials emphasized that Balikatan 2025 is not only about combat readiness. The program includes humanitarian missions, infrastructure projects, and real-world threat simulations, supporting both strategic defense and civil cooperation goals.
“This is more than a drill,” said General Romeo Brawner, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “It’s a bold commitment to collective defense, strategic foresight, and regional stability.”
U.S. Lt. Gen. James Glynn echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of testing operational limits and reaffirming the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) as a cornerstone of U.S.-Philippine military relations.
As international attention grows, Balikatan 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity, resilience, and readiness in a time of growing maritime challenges.
