CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- Demonstrating precision, speed, and unified resolve, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), alongside the United States Armed Forces, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the Canadian Armed Forces, conducted a high-intensity Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise North (CLLFX-North) on May 4 at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos Norte—one of the key highlights of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.
The exercise simulated a hostile amphibious task group attempting to breach the Philippine coastline. In a swift and coordinated response, combined Philippine, U.S., Japan, and Canadian armed forces executed a synchronized counter-landing operation, effectively denying the simulated threat any opportunity to establish a foothold and demonstrating the strength of integrated defense in support of the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
Ground and air assets from the AFP were deployed in a coordinated display of combat power, including Sabrah light tanks, ASCOD Command Post Vehicle 25mm Gun, Armored Mortar Carrier 120mm and fire support vehicle, and 105mm artillery systems. Air support featured A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, AW109 Agusta helicopters, and Hermes unmanned aerial systems. U.S. forces further reinforced the operation with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, F-16 fighter aircraft, and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The participation of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) highlighted the expanding network of like-minded partners committed to regional security and stability. Meanwhile, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), supported the Mass Casualty Exercise and with a platoon from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, they conducted defensive operations at Culili Point in Ilocos Norte, employing heavy machine guns, small arms, and rockets.
“This Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise demonstrates our growing capability to defend our shores through a multi-layered, joint and combined approach—integrating land, sea, and air assets to decisively destroy threats before they reach our coastline,” said Colonel Dennis Hernandez PN(M), Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 spokesperson. He emphasized that Balikatan remains a testament to the enduring Philippines–United States alliance, strengthening interoperability and ensuring forces remain ready to protect national sovereignty and uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific.
(c) Cpl Esteban PN(M), A1C Castro PAF, PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
