CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- In demonstration of strengthened aerial domain defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces conducted an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise on April 26-29, at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.
During the exercise, Philippine and U.S. forces collaborated to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a seamless sensor-to-shooter process. Early warning data from radar systems were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling rapid engagement using the Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System alongside U.S. assets such as the U.S. Army’s Avenger and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The integration of counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) technologies further enhanced the capability to counter aerial threats.
The training brought together key air defense units, including the 3rd Light Air Defense Artillery Battalion (LAAB), E/6-52 35th Air Defense Artillery (ADA), and the 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW). The exercise was observed by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), reflecting a shared commitment among like-minded nations to regional stability and collective security.
The IAMD exercise underscored how coordinated, ground-to-air defense systems provide a robust defense against increasingly complex aerial threats. As Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 progresses, training activities like IAMD continue to enhance interoperability and operational readiness among allied forces, ensuring a synchronized, responsive, and mission-ready defense of national airspace.
Photos by Cpl Esteban PN(M) and PFC Carmelotes PN(M)/ PAOAFP
