The 40th edition of the annual Philippines and United States Balikatan military exercises officially kick off today, April 21, highlighting a comprehensive "full battle test" to be conducted in various key locations of the country.
Over 14,000 troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command are expected to join forces, making it one of the largest joint military training exercises which will run from April 21 until May 9.
According to Balikatan spokesperson Brig. General Michael Logico, a total of nineteen countries have been invited to observe the training activities.
Among the key partners are Japan and Australia, both active participants, along with confirmed observers are countries including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Colombia.
“The International Observer Program enhances transparency and cooperation with allies and partners, strengthening regional solidarity,” AFP said in a statement.
Moreover, training will take place in key areas such as Cadayag in Northern Luzon, Zambales, and Palawan, all of which are situated near the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which is a region of growing geopolitical tension with China.
NMESIS for 2025 Balikatan
Among the major highlights this year is the deployment of the U.S. ant-ship missile system, Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System or NMESIS, a high mobile, land-based anti-ship missile platform using the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to target enemy vessels at sea.
This marks the first time NMESIS is being used in the Balikatan exercises.
Meanwhile, the presence of the missile system has drawn protest from Beijing, which continues to monitor the exercises closely.
AFP also confirmed they are open to the possibility of extending the stay of the NMESIS system depending on the evolving needs of the exercises in the coming months.
This was similar to the previous extension of the Typhon Mid-Range Capability or MRC missile, which was used last year.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation
The 2025 iteration of Balikatan will feature a range of operations, including maritime security, counter-landing live fire, integrated air and missile defense, and maritime strikes—all aimed at bolstering military interoperability and regional readiness.
“Balikatan 2025 stands as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, military interoperability, and a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” AFP concluded.
