Pacific allies stage Balikatan counterlanding drill in the Philippines
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 4
Pacific allies stage Balikatan counterlanding drill in the Philippines
8 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 4
About 17,000 personnel from seven nations trained on Palawan, with Japan joining ground drills for the first time and Canada and New Zealand newly active participants.
US and Philippine forces used Himars, aircraft, drones, artillery and beach defenses to repel a simulated amphibious assault from the South China Sea.
The exercise underscores efforts to deter China over South China Sea clashes and a possible Taiwan conflict, despite Beijing condemning the multilateral drills as provocative.
Do massive war games truly deter China, or do they escalate tensions and make a future conflict over Taiwan more likely?
As U.S. allies increase defense spending, are they building a stable deterrent or becoming entangled in a great power conflict?
Balikatan 2026 Live-Fire Drills Showcase HIMARS Deployment and Enhanced Coastal Defense in Palawan
Overview
Balikatan 2026 showcased a major shift in regional security through a large multinational exercise involving seven nations, including Japan's first combat troop deployment to the Philippines since WWII. Key events included a complex counter-landing drill near Palawan featuring the U.S. HIMARS system, enhancing coastal defense and deterrence in the contested South China Sea. The exercise demonstrated advanced interoperability across land, sea, air, and cyber domains, strengthening alliance solidarity and operational readiness. Alongside military drills, humanitarian efforts fostered community resilience. These combined actions sent a clear message of unity and resolve to uphold sovereignty and international law amid rising regional tensions.