MANILA, Philippines – The Australian Defense Force (ADF) described its experience in joining the military exercise BALIKATAN 2025 as nothing short of “exceptional” and a learning experience for all participating forces.
“Balikatan 25 helped multinational forces develop shared tactics, techniques and procedures, to enhance readiness and response capabilities for real-world challenges,” Commanding Officer (CO) Battle Group Tiger, CO 5th/7th Battalion of the The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Grogan said.
In a news release from the Australian Embassy in Manila, LTCOL Grogran said that working with the US and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during BALIKATAN 25 has been “exceptional.”
“It’s demonstrated the professionalism across our forces and our capacity to integrate and work effectively at all levels of command, showcasing the means in which we can work together in the lead up to high-level warfighting activities,” he stated.
The tri-nation integration and interoperability were on full display during a counter-landing live fire exercise in Palawan as part of Exercise BALIKATAN 2025 on 28 April.
Over a number of days, the multinational battlegroup planned and rehearsed tactical and medical drills to hone interoperability while enduring the intense jungle heat, the ADF said.
According to the ADF, the “well-rehearsed forces” successfully executed the coastal defense mission.
The main event began with a maritime interdiction, which saw Philippine naval assets, shore-based heavy weapons systems, crew-served weapons and guided weapons systems, engage approaching notional adversary vessels, the ADF mentioned.
A defensive battle followed involving small arms operated by 5/7 RAR soldiers, Philippine and US marines, fighting from fortified locations across the beach.
The exercise concluded with Battlegroup Tiger utilising long-range precision fires of the US Army's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) firing ripper shots at grids in the ocean, the ADF said.
According to the ADF, Australia’s contribution to Balikatan 2025 includes over 260 ADF conventional and special forces from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, exercising tactical air components, coastal defence and security, sustainment, medical support, multinational coordination and humanitarian civic assistance.
This year marks the 40th iteration of the exercise, with more than 14,000 troops from participating forces from the Philippines and United States; with Japan and Australia participating as a full-fledged participant.
Observer nations include Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and others.
This year, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands will be observing for the first time.
BALIKATAN 2025 began on 21 April 2025 and will wrap up on 9 May 2025.
