As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the United States and the Philippines have launched their most extensive joint military exercise to date—Balikatan 2025. More than just an annual tradition, this year’s exercise signals a new chapter in strategic cooperation, showcasing enhanced capabilities, increased multilateral participation, and a shared vision for regional security.
“Balikatan,” which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, perfectly captures the spirit of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. Held annually since 1991, the exercise has evolved dramatically, reflecting shifts in the global security landscape. What began as a symbolic partnership focused on disaster response and small-scale training has now transformed into a full-spectrum military endeavor. Balikatan 2025, running from April 21 to May 9, includes over 14,000 personnel, making it the largest in the history of the exercise.
This year, approximately 9,000 U.S. troops and 5,000 Philippine forces are joined by key allies, including Australia and Japan, and observers from 16 other countries. This growing list of participants signals a broader shift: from bilateral coordination to multilateral defense cooperation. In a region increasingly shaped by competition over territorial waters, trade routes, and regional influence, Balikatan 2025 represents a collective stance for sovereignty, stability, and shared values.
One of the most notable features of Balikatan 2025 is the integration of full-scale battle simulations. These aren’t merely hypothetical scenarios; they are designed to mirror potential real-world conflicts. The focus is on defending Philippine territory, responding to amphibious assaults, protecting maritime corridors, and engaging in coordinated joint maneuvers. Among the most strategically significant locations in this year’s exercise is the Batanes island group, which lies just over 200 kilometers south of Taiwan. This choice of venue reflects growing regional awareness of Taiwan’s geopolitical significance and the potential for broader conflict in the region.
To prepare for these possibilities, Balikatan 2025 incorporates both offensive and defensive tactics. One key highlight is the deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) by the U.S. Marine Corps. This mobile, truck-mounted missile launcher can fire long-range anti-ship missiles and provides a new layer of coastal defense capability. NMESIS will remain in the Philippines after the exercises, marking a significant enhancement to the country’s defense posture.
At the same time, the Philippine Navy is demonstrating its growing modernization by conducting live-fire exercises with several high-tech missile systems. These include the C-Star (Sea Star) anti-ship missile, Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) guided missiles, and Mistral 3 surface-to-air missile systems. These demonstrations are a reflection of the Philippine military’s broader modernization goals, which have gained momentum through joint defense agreements and increased U.S. support.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, highlighted the significance of this year’s event. “Balikatan 2025 is a testament to our deepening alliance and shared responsibility in safeguarding peace and security,” he said during the opening ceremonies. His American counterpart, Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm of the U.S. Marine Corps, added that the exercise is designed to “prepare, not provoke,” stressing its defensive nature in a time of rising global uncertainty.
In addition to kinetic operations, cybersecurity and electronic warfare have become key components of the exercise. In 2025, the threat of cyber attacks is ever-present, and both nations are training to respond to simulated intrusions targeting communications infrastructure, supply chains, and digital command systems. By incorporating these cyber operations, Balikatan reflects the reality of modern warfare—where attacks can come from behind a keyboard as easily as from the sea or air.
Another critical dimension of Balikatan 2025 is humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing regular typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. This year’s exercises include simulated response missions that rehearse delivering emergency aid, setting up field hospitals, and evacuating civilians. The U.S. military has long supported the Philippines in times of crisis, such as after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, and HADR drills ensure both countries remain ready to respond to future emergencies.
The geographic spread of Balikatan 2025 is also noteworthy. Training operations are occurring across Luzon, Palawan, and the northernmost islands, covering air, sea, land, and cyber domains. Live-fire artillery and naval exercises are being conducted near Ilocos Norte and Zambales, while amphibious assaults are being rehearsed along the coastlines. These diverse training zones simulate multi-domain warfare and provide troops with real-world terrain and environmental conditions that reflect the Philippines’ vast and varied geography.
For the Philippines, hosting Balikatan 2025 is also a matter of asserting its sovereignty. Amid continued pressure from foreign powers—particularly China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea—the exercises send a clear message that the Philippines is not alone. Under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the United States is committed to defending its treaty ally, and Balikatan is a living example of that commitment in action.
This year’s exercise also benefits from recent upgrades to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows U.S. forces access to additional sites within the Philippines. These sites, though not permanent U.S. bases, provide strategic locations for prepositioning equipment, facilitating joint operations, and responding to crises. They also reflect a shift in U.S. defense strategy: focusing on mobility, adaptability, and distributed force posture rather than relying on large, static bases.
Amid the strategic posturing, Balikatan also serves a critical diplomatic purpose. Through these exercises, the Philippines reinforces its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific security framework. At the same time, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Allies like Japan and Australia deepen their own military interoperability with both countries, reflecting growing regional consensus on the importance of collective defense.
Despite these strengths, Balikatan 2025 is not without critics. Some voices within the Philippines express concern about the increased military footprint and the potential for the country to become entangled in great-power rivalries. Others worry that militarization could escalate tensions, particularly with China, which views U.S. involvement in the region as a threat. Philippine officials, however, emphasize that Balikatan is focused on deterrence, not aggression, and that peace through strength remains the ultimate goal.
Public engagement has also played a larger role this year. Local governments and communities near training sites have been included in outreach and education programs, helping to build trust and understanding. Open houses, school visits, and media tours are bringing greater transparency to the exercise and reducing the gap between military operations and civilian awareness. This approach aims to foster national pride, local support, and informed dialogue about the country’s defense priorities.
Looking ahead, the success of Balikatan 2025 may shape future defense cooperation for years to come. As the region becomes more contested and the stakes higher, the importance of a united front—built on shared history, mutual respect, and operational readiness—cannot be overstated. From strategic deterrence to humanitarian response, from kinetic power to cyber defense, Balikatan continues to evolve, proving its relevance in every domain of modern conflict.
As the world watches Balikatan 2025 unfold, one thing is clear: the alliance between the United States and the Philippines remains strong, resilient, and committed to peace. In a world of uncertainty, Balikatan stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when nations stand shoulder-to-shoulder—not in pursuit of war, but in the name of security, sovereignty, and solidarity.
