Philippines-US 'Shield Exercise' Sets New Participation Record; Japan Fully Participates for First Time
The 'Shield Exercise' between the Philippines and the United States has reached a record high in participation, with over 4,000 Philippine Army personnel, 2,600 US Army personnel, 400 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel, and 90 Australian Army personnel. Thanks to the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that took effect in 2025, Japan is fully participating in all aspects of the exercise for the first time, signifying deepening defense cooperation. The exercise focuses on maritime and territorial defense, humanitarian assistance, and amphibious operations.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 20:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 23:28 (3h 8m after Published)
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Fort Magsaysay is located in Nueva Ecija province in central Luzon. According to the Philippine Army's press release, the first phase of the exercise will continue until April 17, covering maritime and territorial defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and amphibious and joint combined arms operations 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, which took effect in 2025, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are no longer merely 'observers' but are participating in all aspects, demonstrating the deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and like-minded nations.
The Philippine Army stated that this year's 'Shield Exercise' has the highest number of participants ever, including over 4,000 Philippine Army personnel, over 2,600 US Army personnel, over 400 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel, and 90 Australian Army personnel.
The press release quoted Philippine Army Deputy Commander Efren Morados as saying that the 'Shield Exercise' is guided by 'clear and strategic objectives,' deepening multi-domain interoperability among like-minded nations and solidifying a credible and resilient regional security architecture.
US Army 25th Infantry Division Commander James Bartholomees emphasized the importance of the long-standing US-Philippines alliance. He said, 'As our shields intertwine, potential adversaries clearly see the unity of our ground forces. Together, we will ensure peace, deter aggression, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.'
The 'Shield Exercise' is one of many joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US, which also include 'Balikatan,' 'Cope Thunder,' 'Kamandag,' and 'Sama Sama.'
The Philippines-US 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 'Shield Exercise' will be held between May and June, and will include live-fire drills. (Edited by Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150406
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, which took effect in 2025, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are no longer merely 'observers' but are participating in all aspects, demonstrating the deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and like-minded nations.
The Philippine Army stated that this year's 'Shield Exercise' has the highest number of participants ever, including over 4,000 Philippine Army personnel, over 2,600 US Army personnel, over 400 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel, and 90 Australian Army personnel.
The press release quoted Philippine Army Deputy Commander Efren Morados as saying that the 'Shield Exercise' is guided by 'clear and strategic objectives,' deepening multi-domain interoperability among like-minded nations and solidifying a credible and resilient regional security architecture.
US Army 25th Infantry Division Commander James Bartholomees emphasized the importance of the long-standing US-Philippines alliance. He said, 'As our shields intertwine, potential adversaries clearly see the unity of our ground forces. Together, we will ensure peace, deter aggression, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.'
The 'Shield Exercise' is one of many joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US, which also include 'Balikatan,' 'Cope Thunder,' 'Kamandag,' and 'Sama Sama.'
The Philippines-US 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 'Shield Exercise' will be held between May and June, and will include live-fire drills. (Edited by Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150406