CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces formally concluded Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 with a closing ceremony on May 8, here, highlighting the AFP’s growing capability to conduct joint and combined operations with allies and partners.
The ceremony was led by Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., together with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Y. Robert Ewing, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J Paparo Jr., and Philippine Exercise Director Major General Francisco F Lorenzo Jr.
Held from April 20 to May 8, Balikatan 2026 involved more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, the United States, and six defense partners: Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Thirteen additional nations also joined under the International Observers Program.
During the exercise, participating forces conducted Integrated Air and Missile Defense, multinational maritime event, maritime key terrain security operations, counter-landing live fire exercises, maritime strike operations, and humanitarian and civic assistance activities. This year’s iteration also marked the first-time participation of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile System and the employment of the U.S. Tomahawk Land Attack Missile capability.
In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized that Balikatan serves not only as a training platform but also as a deterrence exercise. “Balikatan demonstrated in full measure our preparedness: a professional and capable force working alongside trusted allies and partners to strengthen deterrence, stability, and peace,” he said. Secretary Teodoro likewise amplified that the exercise supports the preservation of peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region.
Balikatan 41-2026 reaffirmed the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, while strengthening interoperability with partner nations committed to maintaining regional peace and security. The successful conduct of the exercise reflects the shared resolve of participating forces to promote stability, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure a secure and peaceful future for the region.
Photos by PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
