US, Philippines begin largest military drills

The US and the Philippines on Monday kicked off their largest-ever joint military exercises.

The 41st edition of the Balikatan, running until May 8, marks the most expansive iteration in its history, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Approximately 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand are participating in the drills, while an additional 13 nations are taking part as observers under the International Observers Program.

For the first time, Japanese troops are attending as active participants, deploying around 1,400 personnel.

During the exercise, the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system will also be subjected to simulation firing during the maritime strike phase, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The Philippines was the first customer of the BrahMos missiles with a purchase of nearly $375 million in 2022. The first batteries were delivered in April 2024.

The Philippines is the US oldest military ally in the Asia-Pacific region, where American forces have access to Philippine military bases under a defense treaty.