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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, four allied countries flex muscles in West PH Sea for Balikatan 2026

AFP, four allied countries flex muscles in West PH Sea for Balikatan 2026

Published Apr 30, 2026 02:19 pm
The U.S. Army Avenger weapon system provides a highly mobile, short-range air defense capability by utilizing a gyro-stabilized turret equipped with eight FIM-92 Stinger missiles and a .50 caliber machine gun to neutralize low-flying aerial threats.(photo: AFP)
The U.S. Army Avenger weapon system provides a highly mobile, short-range air defense capability by utilizing a gyro-stabilized turret equipped with eight FIM-92 Stinger missiles and a .50 caliber machine gun to neutralize low-flying aerial threats.(photo: AFP)
Eleven vessels from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and allied countries led by the United States deployed 11 vessels for military exercises in the West Philippine Sea.
The war games, under the Exercise Balikatan 41-2026, was aimed at further improving interoperability among five of the participating countries that also include Japan, Canada and Australia.
The military exercises, however, are seen as a show of force amid the aggressive and frequent muscle-flexing of China which has been claiming almost the entire West Philippine Sea.
On the part of the AFP, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), AW159, and an AW109 helicopter, alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV 4408) were deployed for the series of exercises from April 20 to May 1.
Participating allied forces included the USS Ashland (LSD-48), and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) from the United States; JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), JS Shimokita (LST-4002), and JS Ise (DDH-152) from Japan; HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156) from Australia; and HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339) and MV Asterix from Canada.
The exercise featured a range of coordinated maritime activities, including Communication Checks, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Coordinated Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX) and Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX) and Air Defense Exercise through Integrated Air and Missile Defense (ADEX IAMD).
The activities also include Division Tactics (DLQ), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Maritime Control Operations (MCA), and Replenishment at Sea (RAS), aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational readiness among participating forces.

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