CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces officially opened the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan in a ceremony held today, here, marking the start of the most expansive engagement in the exercise’s history.
The event was graced by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Y. Robert Ewing; AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr; Lieutenant General Christian F Wortman, Commanding General, U.S. I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); Major General Francisco F Lorenzo, Philippine Exercise Director; and Major General Elmer B Suderio, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3.
Building on a shared commitment, Balikatan 41-2026 features robust participation from partner nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and New Zealand. Their involvement reflects a deepening collective effort to uphold regional security and stability. In total, around 17,000 personnel will take part in the exercise, with 13 additional nations participating under the International Observers Program (IOP).
In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized the significance of the exercise in strengthening collective defense and regional stability. “Balikatan is readiness made real, cooperation put into action, and peace preserved through strength,” he said. “Let this exercise not only demonstrate our readiness, but affirm our commitment to stand together and to act together.”
Now in its 41st iteration, this year’s Balikatan also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Philippines–United States Mutual Defense Treaty, further reinforcing the enduring alliance and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Photos by: SSg Ambay PA
