Balikatan begins today across the Philippines, about 9,000 American and 5,000 Philippine servicemen are participating marking a significant expansion of this cornerstone military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. Scheduled to run from April 21 to May 9, 2025, the joint drills between the United States and the Philippines have evolved to include participation from additional allies, reflecting growing security cooperation in the region.
This year, the exercise features formal participation from the Australian Defence Force and includes the Japan Self-Defence Force as a full participant for the first time, rather than simply an observer. This change highlights Japan’s proactive approach to regional security under its evolving defence strategy.
The exercise has expanded its international observer program, welcoming representatives from 16 nations, including Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. This diversity of participants represents a broad coalition with strategic interests in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Balikatan also aims to advance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernisation initiatives and enhance the operational effectiveness of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defence Treaty through increased interoperability.
Capabilities and Operational Focus
A key development in this year’s exercise is the deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) by the U.S. Marines’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. This mobile coastal defence cruise missile system will be utilised in Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations.
The 3rd MLR will engage in a series of training scenarios, including Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations in Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands, Counter Landing Live Fire exercises in Cagayan, and Maritime Strike exercises at sea.
Balikatan 25 comprises four key components designed to enhance multilateral military cooperation:
- Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS) operation: This component priorities the ability to transfer heavy equipment and supplies from ships to shore using landing craft and expeditionary vessels, essential for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military operations in Southeast Asia.
- Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) activities: These activities will take place at five locations throughout the Philippines, with joint AFP-U.S. civil-military operations teams focused on infrastructure improvement, medical expertise sharing, and relationship building with local communities.
- Command and Control Exercise (C2X): This aspect of Balikatan 25 integrates headquarters-level coordination through a Command Post Exercise and field implementation via a Field Training Exercise. Participating forces will demonstrate Combined Joint All-Domain Operations capabilities, with an emphasis on maritime security and coastal defence.
- Multilateral Maritime Exercise: This component involves naval forces from the United States, Philippines, and Japan conducting joint operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, an area that has encountered various maritime security challenges.
This year’s exercise occurs amid evolving security dynamics in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. While Balikatan has historically focused on humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and counter terrorism, its inclusion of coastal defence and maritime security elements reflects current security concerns.
The increased involvement of countries beyond the traditional U.S.-Philippines bilateral framework indicates a broader recognition of shared security interests, particularly regarding freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and adherence to international norms.
As Balikatan 25 progresses over the next three weeks, it aims to demonstrate military capabilities and the strategic alignment of participating nations. For the Philippines, the exercise offers an opportunity to showcase its military modernisation efforts while reaffirming its alliances and expanding defence partnerships.
