Balikatan 2026, the largest edition yet, opened in the Philippines on April 20 with over 17,000 troops from the Philippines, United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France. It marks the first participation of Japan Self-Defense Forces troops on Philippine soil since World War II. The three-week exercises focus on interoperability and maritime operations amid global tensions.
Over 10,000 US troops are training alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and others across the archipelago until the second week of May. Lieutenant General Christian Wortman of the I Marine Expeditionary Force stated, “Balikatan is proof that the US’ ironclad commitment to the Philippines remains unwavering.”
New elements include multilateral maritime events and strike drills under Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), responsible for the West Philippine Sea. Philippine exercise director Major General Francisco Lorenzo Jr. said the drills showcase the alliance with the US, strengthen capabilities, and promote a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, officials stressed no impact on Balikatan. France scaled back its deployment from the original Jeanne D’Arc mission due to regional commitments. The US purchased fuel for the exercises three to four months ago, Colonel Robert Bunn noted, emphasizing sensitivity to local effects.
Pre-Balikatan equipment onload occurred at Cagayan de Oro port on March 17.
