Social Media Ideas for Balikatan

Balikatan 2026 was Rehearsal for Defense of the Philippines, Paparo Says

Balikatan 2026 was a rehearsal for the defense of the Philippines amid a “dangerous security environment,” U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo said at the conclusion...

Japan Extends SEA Military Presence Via Balikatan Exercise

War preparation by other means?

PH, Australia launch ‘Kasangga’ military drills in Camarines Sur

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Army and Australian troops on Monday opened the “Kasangga” 2026-1 joint military exercise at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur. The Philippine...

The Next Challenge Facing the US-Philippine Alliance, and How They Plan to Overcome It

This year's Balikatan exercise oriented itself more closely than ever to the Taiwan Strait -- and the possibility of a future conflict over the island.

U.S. Marines Kick Off Kamandag 10 Exercise in the Philippines

U.S. Marines joined Philippine, Japanese and South Korean forces on Monday for the start of Exercise Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat 10 – or Kamandag 10 – across the Philippine...

Balikatan: Friends and enemies

The Philippines meets its NMESIS in Balikatan exercise

Two new pieces of equipment have recently joined the ranks of the US Marine Corps (USMC): the NMESIS – short for Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System – and the MADIS...

POTD: Tropic Lightning Holds the Dunes at Balikatan 2026

The La Paz Sand Dunes on the northern coast of Luzon made for an unusual battlefield on May 4, 2026, but the mission was unmistakable. In the first image, Pfc. Griffin Clemen of 2n...

Specialized U.S. Marine Corps Group Trains to Defend the Northern Philippines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A specialized contingent of Marines have operated in the Northern Philippines over the last three months, honing their ability to monitor maritime movements a...

Philippine, U.S. Forces Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines partnered for a joint maritime exercise to strengthen regional cooperation and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role in it, is making China uneasy

A US and Philippine-led military drill seen as targeting China grew this year into the largest yet, prompting Chinese experts to warn that the annual event will exacerbate regional...

U.S. Marines Demonstrate Dual MEF Strategy in Western Pacific Drills

The U.S. Marine Corps concluded two bilateral exercises last week in the first island chain, which overlapped to demonstrate the service’s “Two MEFs Abreast” strategy. Resolute Dra...

POTD: Counter-UAS on the M4 - U.S. Army Trains at Fort Magsaysay

During Exercise Salaknib  at Fort Magsaysay in the Philippines, Pfc. Victor Salazar of the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was photographed employin...

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

When Japan quietly deployed members of its elite airborne brigade for parachute drills in the Philippines’ northernmost province earlier this month, the exercise was not vigorously...

USV Swarm Demonstrates Maritime Security Capabilities During Exercise Salaknib 26

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division partnered with Philippine Army forces and industry representatives during Exercise Salaknib 2026 to demonstrate how autonomous marit...

Philippines plays increasingly central role in U.S. Pacific policy

Troops from Hawaii-based military units have been in the Philippines for a marathon series of training exercises since April as U.S. forces refine their Pacific strategy and test o...

Philippines, Japan seek to strengthen defense ties amid U.S.-China thaw

Philippines, Japan seek to strengthen defense ties amid US-China thaw

Gibo: PH to speed up military buildup, alliances amid WPS threats

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippines will continue accelerating its military modernization and deepening security partnerships with like-minded nations as it strengthens its de...

U.S.-funded Project Expanding Drone and Fighter Capacity at Philippine Air Base

Efforts are underway to expand U.S. aircraft and drone capacity at a Philippine air base used by Washington to monitor the South China Sea and assist Manila’s defensive needs, USNI...

Senior Special Ops Leaders Discuss Value of Partnerships, Alliances

Senior military special operations forces leaders from the U.S., Sweden and the Philippines participated in a panel about the importance of partnerships and alliances, as part of S...

Philippine exercise showcased Marine Littoral Regiment’s growth

3rd MLR basically did exactly what it was designed to do,” Col. Gabe Diana said.

U.S. Wants to Construct Philippine Coast Guard Maintenance Facility, Repair Fuel Depot in Palawan

Washington is seeking funding to construct a Coast Guard maintenance center and refurbish a joint airfield fuel depot that could bolster Philippine security infrastructure near the...

The Philippines in 2026: Between Alliance Commitment and Strategic Hedging

Despite holding fast to its alliance with the United States, several recent developments suggest that Manila has not forgotten how to hedge.