EXERCISE BALIKATAN
Exercise Balikatan (meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder”) is the annual joint US-Philippines military exercise, which has grown significantly in scale and scope. Over the years, the exercise has transitioned from a bilateral counter-terrorism drill into a massive, multilateral “island defence” operation.
The exercises follow a new reciprocal access agreement, strengthening maritime interoperability among the allies to counter regional tensions. The drills simulated defence of Philippine territory, including maritime security, coastal defence, and island recapture, with exercises in northern Luzon, Batanes, and Palawan (near the South China Sea).
The 2026 (April 20 – May 8, 2026) iteration of Balikatan has just concluded. Balikatan in 2026 involved around 17,000 personnel from seven countries (including the US, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand) and observers from other countries.
- Why is Balikatan important for the region (including Taiwan)?
The exercise Balikatan has evolved over the years. Its focus is now on territorial defence and sea denial in the region. The exercise demonstrates collective capability by strengthening alliances. It contributes to a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Deterrence and Interoperability. The exercises enhance combined training in maritime security, territorial defence, amphibious operations, missile defence, live-fire drills, and humanitarian assistance.
Strategic Location of the Exercise. The maritime drills take place in northern Luzon, near the South China Sea (just over 100 miles from Taiwan). The focus on the First Island Chain signals a resolve to maintain freedom of navigation and deter unilateral changes to the status quo.
Taiwan Relevance. At the same time, the exercise is not explicitly focused on Taiwan. Its scenarios (counter-landing, maritime strikes, missile defence) directly relate to a potential contingency involving Taiwan.
Question 2: This is the first time that Japan has joined the Balikatan in such a big way. What does this signify?
For the first time, Japan deployed approximately 1,400 ground troops (JGSDF) to Balikatan 2026, a move of immense significance. Its largest contingent so far included a helicopter destroyer, a landing ship, a destroyer, amphibious aircraft, C-130s, and Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles. This marked the first deployment of Japanese combat troops to Philippine soil since WWII, enabled by the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that took effect in 2025.
End of the “Observer” Era. Japan has shifted from a mere observer to an active contributor in regional security. It reflects that Japan is normalising greater overseas engagement, improving interoperability, and exercising capabilities (e.g., counter-landing, missile strikes) relevant to defending its southwestern islands and supporting allies.
Normalisation of Hard Power. It’s a major step in Japan-Philippines ties, turning former WWII adversaries into close security partners. It signifies Tokyo’s pivot toward a “proactive contribution to peace,” signalling that Japan views the security of the Philippines as inextricably linked to its own.
Question 3: Lately, the Philippines has been involved in several defence agreements with many nations. 2025 was a particularly significant year for signing defence agreements for the Philippines. Why has it suddenly become so important for the security matrix of the Indo-Pacific? Do you see more countries joining Balikatan in the future?
The Philippines has rapidly expanded its defence ties with several nations. These include the Japan RAA (2025), the Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFA) with Canada (2025), and similar pacts with Australia. It has also deepened Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites with the US (now nine locations). It is pursuing agreements with others, such as the UK, France, and New Zealand.
The importance of the Philippines for the security matrix of the Indo-Pacific
Geographic Pivot. Its position on the First Island Chain makes it crucial for access to the South China Sea, the Luzon Strait, and the approaches to Taiwan. EDCA sites and northern drills enable forward positioning, missile/drone deployments, and rapid response.
Enhanced Partnership and Capability Military Enhancement. Heightened incidents in the South China Sea (specifically involving China) have driven Manila to diversify its partnerships and modernise its forces. This builds resilience, improves maritime domain awareness, and deters grey-zone tactics.
Indo-Pacific Security Hub. The Philippines serves as a hub, enabling interoperability, logistics, and burden-sharing for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Future Balikatan participation.
Balikatan is expanding. The 2026 edition was already the largest/multinational yet, with more active participants and observers. Trends point to further growth as more countries seek to engage without formal alliances. This fits the pattern of expanding exercises and pacts.
Question 4: Is there anything else on this topic that you want to share?
Balikatan and these agreements reflect a broader evolution toward “integrated deterrence” in the Indo-Pacific.
The Philippines is transitioning from a more passive alliance partner to an active one, which benefits regional stability but also carries risks (e.g., escalation dynamics).
Japan is becoming an active partner in the regional security matters.
China routinely criticises these activities, but they are projected as defensive and law-based.
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