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Philippines and US Launch Joint Military Drills with Advanced Missile System

The Balikatan exercises, involving 14,000 troops and the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, are set to begin on April 21 near Taiwan and the South China Sea

Overview

  • The 2025 Balikatan drills will feature 9,000 US troops and 5,000 Filipino troops, with additional participation from Australia and observers from Japan, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
  • For the first time, the NMESIS mobile coastal anti-ship missile system will be deployed, showcasing advanced defense capabilities.
  • The drills will take place in strategically significant areas, including Palawan and Northern Luzon, near Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  • Philippine Brigadier-General Michael Logico described the exercises as a 'full battle test' and a rehearsal for national defense.
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the 'ironclad' U.S. commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, emphasizing enhanced military cooperation.

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