Philippines-US Salaknib exercise hits record high in participants; Japan joins fully for the first time
The joint military exercise "Salaknib" between the Philippines and the United States was conducted on its largest scale ever, with Japan participating fully for the first time. The exercise covers a wide range of areas, including maritime defense, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and amphibious operations.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 20:20
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Fort Magsaysay is located in Nueva Ecija province in central Luzon. According to a Philippine Army press release, the first phase of the exercise will continue until April 17, covering maritime and territorial defense, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), as well as amphibious operations and combined arms capabilities.
Participating countries this year include the Philippines, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Benefiting from the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan that took effect in 2025, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are no longer just "observers" but are participating in all events, indicating that defense cooperation between the Philippines and like-minded countries is deepening.
The Philippine Army stated that the number of participants in this year's Salaknib exercise is the highest ever, including over 4,000 from the Philippine Army, over 2,600 from the U.S. Army, over 400 from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and 90 from the Australian Army.
The press release quoted Philippine Army Vice Commander Efren Morados as saying that the Salaknib exercise is guided by "clear and strategic objectives," deepening multi-domain interoperability among like-minded countries and consolidating a credible and resilient regional security architecture.
Major General James Bartholomees, commander of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of the long-standing U.S.-Philippines alliance. He said: "As our shields interlock, potential adversaries clearly see the unity of our land forces. Together, we will ensure peace, deter aggression, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific."
"Salaknib" is one of many joint military exercises between the Philippines and the U.S.; others include "Balikatan," "Cope Thunder," "Kamandag," and "Sama Sama."
The Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) decided last year to hold over 500 joint exercises, joint patrols, and other military activities this year. The second phase of the Salaknib exercise will take place between May and June and will include live-fire drills. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 2026/04/06
Participating countries this year include the Philippines, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Benefiting from the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan that took effect in 2025, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are no longer just "observers" but are participating in all events, indicating that defense cooperation between the Philippines and like-minded countries is deepening.
The Philippine Army stated that the number of participants in this year's Salaknib exercise is the highest ever, including over 4,000 from the Philippine Army, over 2,600 from the U.S. Army, over 400 from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and 90 from the Australian Army.
The press release quoted Philippine Army Vice Commander Efren Morados as saying that the Salaknib exercise is guided by "clear and strategic objectives," deepening multi-domain interoperability among like-minded countries and consolidating a credible and resilient regional security architecture.
Major General James Bartholomees, commander of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of the long-standing U.S.-Philippines alliance. He said: "As our shields interlock, potential adversaries clearly see the unity of our land forces. Together, we will ensure peace, deter aggression, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific."
"Salaknib" is one of many joint military exercises between the Philippines and the U.S.; others include "Balikatan," "Cope Thunder," "Kamandag," and "Sama Sama."
The Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) decided last year to hold over 500 joint exercises, joint patrols, and other military activities this year. The second phase of the Salaknib exercise will take place between May and June and will include live-fire drills. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 2026/04/06