The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces conducted an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) training on April 27, 2025, at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in Zambales, as part of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025.
During the exercise, AFP and U.S. personnel collaborated to sense and engage targets, employing the Philippine Air Force Spyder Air Defense System and various Ground-Based Air Defense Systems. The U.S. forces also demonstrated several counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) technologies. These systems are designed to detect airspace intrusions and enhance overall force protection for both Philippine and U.S. units.
The activity also utilized the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), a U.S. Marine Corps air defense system designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize aerial threats—especially drones (UAS), helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
Meanwhile at the fusion center, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. was able to observe the incorporation of combined capabilities of both forces through improved communication and integration of air-defense systems.
Exercise Balikatan 40-2025 continues to strengthen interoperability and readiness between allied forces, ensuring a robust and coordinated response to emerging security challenges in the region.
Photo by PAOAFP
