Manila, Philippines – Eleven ships of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and allied countries have been sent for military exercises in the West Philippine Sea, as part of the ongoing Balikatan 2026.
This aims to strengthen the interoperability of the five countries involved in the exercise, including Japan, Canada, Australia and the United States.
This exercise is also a show of force amid the aggressiveness and frequent displays of power by China, which claims almost the entire West Philippine Sea.
The AFP has deployed the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), AW159, and the AW109 helicopter were sent, including the Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Cape San Agustin which was sent from April 20 to May 1 for Balikatan.
There are also warships from the United States, Japan, Australia and Canada.
The exercise also includes coordination of maritime activities including Communication checks, photo exercises, Coordinated Anti-Submarine Exercise and Gunnery Exercise as well as Air Defense Exercise through Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
There are also Division tactics, search and rescue exercises, maritime control operations, and replenishment at Sea that aim to enhance interoperability and operational readiness of the participating countries.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News