CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces officially launched Exercise Balikatan 40-25 today here, with an opening ceremony that marked the beginning of the most comprehensive iteration of the annual bilateral defense exercise to date. This year’s Balikatan serves as a full-scale defense drill designed to enhance interoperability through realistic, multi-domain training scenarios—demonstrating the continued commitment of both nations to regional peace and security.
The event was graced by Her Excellency MaryKay Loss Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, alongside Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A Manalo; AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr; LtGen James F Glynn, U.S. Exercise Director; and MGen Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., Philippine Exercise Director.
“The U.S.-Philippines alliance, anchored in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, remains a cornerstone of peace and stability. Together, we honor our past, strengthen our present, and secure our future,” said Ambassador Carlson.
This year’s Balikatan underscores the AFP’s ongoing efforts to modernize and build deeper interoperability with its allies in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized the importance of attaining regional peace and stability through preparedness, "May Balikatan 40-25 embody unity in strength and herald a promise of peace through preparedness,” General Brawner said. “It is our way of ensuring that the AFP remains a capable, agile, and forward-thinking force—prepared to defend, ready to respond, and poised to lead,” he added.
Now in its 40th iteration, Balikatan continues to symbolize unity and shared responsibility between two long-standing allies, reinforcing their collective capability to respond to modern-day challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
Photos by PFC Carmelotes and A1C Castro/PAOAFP
