US, Filipino and Japanese soldiers rehearse repelling amphibious assault in Philippines
Updated
Updated · Defense One · May 5
US, Filipino and Japanese soldiers rehearse repelling amphibious assault in Philippines
9 articles · Updated · Defense One · May 5
At La Paz Sand Dunes near Laoag, under 400 miles from southern Taiwan, the Balikatan drill used new HIMARS, drones, robotic boats, Apache helicopters and other joint assets.
The US Army's 25th Infantry Division said the live-fire exercise tested synchronised sensing and strikes across land and sea against simulated enemy warships and landing forces.
Commanders cast the training as part of Indo-Pacific modernisation and deterrence, aimed at denying China military gains by force while tightening cooperation among US allies and partners.
How might regional adversaries like China interpret these multinational exercises—deterrence or provocation—and what could be their next move?
With delays in weapons sales and internal political gridlock, is Taiwan's security at greater risk despite growing allied military cooperation?
Will the rapid adoption of unmanned and AI systems truly shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, or are political obstacles a greater threat?
Balikatan 2026: Historic Multinational Military Exercise with 17,000 Troops Demonstrates Advanced Indo-Pacific Defense Capabilities
Overview
Balikatan 2026, held in April 2026, was a major multinational military exercise involving seven nations, including the Philippines, the US, and Japan. It reflected the Philippines' strategic shift toward territorial defense and was a direct response to China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Japan's historic combat deployment on Philippine soil, enabled by its 2015 security laws and a 2024 access agreement with the Philippines, marked a significant step in regional security cooperation. The exercise triggered strong Chinese military reactions and warnings, which, along with the drills themselves, led ASEAN nations to adopt a cautious stance. Japan's increased military role also raised concerns about heightened regional tensions and an arms race.