Philippine, US, and Japanese forces concluded a six-day Multilateral Maritime Event in the West Philippine Sea under the Balikatan 2025 exercises, showcasing joint capabilities in maritime security and defense.
The drills included communications training, live fire exercises, maritime search and rescue, and cross-deck landing qualifications using naval and air assets from all participating countries.
Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said the exercises reaffirm a shared commitment to a secure, rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, a large-scale counter-landing and live fire exercise in Palawan saw Filipino, American, and Australian troops demonstrate seamless coordination and precision strikes using HIMARS, Howitzers, and other firepower.
Observers from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force joined the training to bolster multilateral security cooperation in the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 30, 2025
