Philippine and United States naval forces have commenced the Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) as a crucial component of the ongoing Exercise Balikatan 40-2025. This significant activity, taking place from April 24-29, 2025, focuses on enhancing the interoperability and coordination between the allied nations within the Philippines' archipelagic waters, spanning from the vicinity of Subic Bay up to the Northern Luzon Joint Operational Area.
Service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces, participating in Exercise Balikatan 40-25, conducted a Cyber Defense Exercise (CYDEX). Launched on April 21 and continuing through May 9, 2025, CYDEX is being simultaneously carried out across various AFP units.
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- LtGen Jimmy D Larida, Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (VCSAFP), welcomed General Christopher Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps in a courtesy visit held on April 23, here. This activity not only enhance military collaboration but also deepen the friendship between allied nations.
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrated the 11th founding anniversary of its Office for Strategic Studies and Strategy Management (OSSSM) today here, underscoring the vital role the office plays in shaping institutional decisions, driving reforms, and reinforcing strategic insight within the organization.
Philippine and United States Army personnel participating in Exercise Balikatan 40-2025 came together at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in Zambales, for a joint formation and activity briefing on April 22, 2025. The early morning event set the stage for a day of collaborative training, emphasizing unity, coordination, and shared mission objectives.
Following the formation, troops from both nations launched into the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), focusing on familiarization with the premier shoot-on-the-move air defense platform — the Avenger Air Defense System and its primary armament, the FIM-92 Stinger missile. The Avenger, a highly mobile, short-range air defense system, integrates eight ready-to-fire Stinger missiles mounted on a Humvee, providing rapid target engagement against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. The Stinger missile, known for its infrared homing guidance and fire-and-forget capability, allows operators to quickly neutralize aerial threats with high precision.
This exchange strengthens tactical synchronization, enhances combined operational readiness, and demonstrates the enduring interoperability and mutual commitment of both forces to regional security and defense preparedness.
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