Philippines, US: Balikatan Exercise Not Involving Taiwan, Advanced Missile Systems to Debut
The Philippines and the US have launched their annual 'Balikatan' large-scale joint military exercise. Officials stated that advanced missile systems will be featured, emphasizing that the exercise is not targeting any country and will not be held near Taiwan.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 15:47
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MANILA, April 20 (CNA) -- The Philippines and the United States launched their annual large-scale joint military exercise, codenamed 'Balikatan,' on Thursday, with officials stating that multiple advanced missile systems will be showcased. They emphasized that the exercise is not directed at any country and will not take place in waters near Taiwan.
During a press conference following the opening ceremony, Philippine Balikatan commander Francisco Lorenzo Jr. explained that the exercise locations will cover northern Luzon but will not be near 'Taiwan' or the Bashi Channel, which connects Taiwan and the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in August last year that the Philippines would not be able to remain uninvolved if a conflict erupted in the Taiwan Strait. According to data provided by the Philippine military, this year's exercise locations extend north to the Batanes Islands, which face Taiwan across the sea, drawing attention amid ongoing regional tensions.
Lorenzo stressed that troops from the US and other like-minded countries are only participating in the exercise and will not be stationed long-term; they will return to their original bases immediately after the exercise concludes.
US Balikatan commander Christian Wortman also stated that the US military has no plans to expand its deployment in the Philippines, including in the Batanes Islands, and any troops stationed there would be on a rotational basis.
On the other hand, in this year's 'Balikatan' exercise, both the Philippines and the US will deploy several advanced missile systems.
Lorenzo said that the 'BrahMos' anti-ship missile system, purchased by the Philippines from India, will participate in the exercise under a 'simulated' environment. Wortman confirmed that the 'Typhon' mid-range ground-based missile launcher and the 'Naval/Marine Expeditionary Stand-in System' (NMESIS) will also be 'integrated' into the exercise.
Both sides believe that accumulating experience in planning, coordinating, and integrating these weapon systems is crucial for maximizing their potential in coordinated operations or applications.
The US military has utilized previous military exercises to bring the 'Typhon' and 'NMESIS' to the Philippines, and they have not been withdrawn since, a move that has drawn repeated protests from the Chinese government.
This year's 'Balikatan' involves direct participation from 7 countries including the Philippines, US, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand, with over 17,000 personnel. It is scheduled to conclude in the first week of May, aiming to enhance interoperability among like-minded countries and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During a press conference following the opening ceremony, Philippine Balikatan commander Francisco Lorenzo Jr. explained that the exercise locations will cover northern Luzon but will not be near 'Taiwan' or the Bashi Channel, which connects Taiwan and the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in August last year that the Philippines would not be able to remain uninvolved if a conflict erupted in the Taiwan Strait. According to data provided by the Philippine military, this year's exercise locations extend north to the Batanes Islands, which face Taiwan across the sea, drawing attention amid ongoing regional tensions.
Lorenzo stressed that troops from the US and other like-minded countries are only participating in the exercise and will not be stationed long-term; they will return to their original bases immediately after the exercise concludes.
US Balikatan commander Christian Wortman also stated that the US military has no plans to expand its deployment in the Philippines, including in the Batanes Islands, and any troops stationed there would be on a rotational basis.
On the other hand, in this year's 'Balikatan' exercise, both the Philippines and the US will deploy several advanced missile systems.
Lorenzo said that the 'BrahMos' anti-ship missile system, purchased by the Philippines from India, will participate in the exercise under a 'simulated' environment. Wortman confirmed that the 'Typhon' mid-range ground-based missile launcher and the 'Naval/Marine Expeditionary Stand-in System' (NMESIS) will also be 'integrated' into the exercise.
Both sides believe that accumulating experience in planning, coordinating, and integrating these weapon systems is crucial for maximizing their potential in coordinated operations or applications.
The US military has utilized previous military exercises to bring the 'Typhon' and 'NMESIS' to the Philippines, and they have not been withdrawn since, a move that has drawn repeated protests from the Chinese government.
This year's 'Balikatan' involves direct participation from 7 countries including the Philippines, US, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand, with over 17,000 personnel. It is scheduled to conclude in the first week of May, aiming to enhance interoperability among like-minded countries and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.