Balikatan

Balikatan. It is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces. The drills are a cornerstone of the Mutual Defense Treaty and aim to enhance interoperability, readiness, and humanitarian capabilities. The name, derived from Tagalog, translates to "shoulder-to-shoulder," reflecting the cooperative nature of the alliance.

Overview

The exercise is a key component of the security alliance between Manila and Washington, D.C., operating under the framework of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Its scope encompasses a wide range of activities, from counter-terrorism and maritime security operations to complex combined arms live-fire training. The evolving format often responds to regional security dynamics, including tensions in the South China Sea and concerns over Taiwan Strait stability. Participation has periodically expanded to include observer nations from like-minded partners such as Japan, Australia, and France.

History

The origins of these joint drills trace back to the aftermath of World War II and the formal establishment of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951. Following the closure of major U.S. bases like Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base in the early 1990s, the exercise was formally inaugurated in its current iteration in 1991. Its focus shifted significantly after the September 11 attacks, with a major emphasis on combating Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah in the southern islands, particularly around Basilan and Jolo. The program was temporarily suspended during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte but was fully reinstated and expanded under his successor, Bongbong Marcos.

Exercises and activities

Field training exercises often feature amphibious assault landings, airborne operations, and urban warfare drills at locations like Crow Valley and Fort Magsaysay. The maritime component includes freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), anti-submarine warfare, and sinking exercises (SINKEX) in waters such as the Luzon Strait and within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. A significant humanitarian and civic assistance pillar involves constructing schools, medical missions, and community relations events in local barangays. Recent iterations have integrated advanced systems like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and involved assets from the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Philippine Marine Corps.

Significance and impact

The drills serve as a powerful strategic signal of the enduring United States-Philippines alliance amidst an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. They directly bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization efforts under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act. The exercises strengthen legal and operational claims in the West Philippine Sea through demonstrated capacity for joint patrols and domain awareness. Furthermore, they provide critical training for potential contingencies involving the defense of Batanes or resupply missions to features like Second Thomas Shoal.

Participating forces

The primary participants are the Armed Forces of the Philippines, with major contributions from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. The United States Armed Forces deploy units from the United States Army Pacific, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, United States Pacific Fleet, and United States Pacific Air Forces. The Australian Defence Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces have joined as regular participants or observers. Special operations components, including the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force and the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets), often conduct focused training.

Locations and venues

Major training regularly occurs at the vast Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, which hosts live-fire ranges and jump zones. Key naval bases utilized include Naval Base Heracleo Alano (Sangley Point) and the former U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay. Northern locations like Laoag International Airport and Naval Station Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan have gained prominence due to EDCA. Southern exercises have been centered around Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City and the island of Palawan, facing the Spratly Islands. The Cebu region often serves as a hub for humanitarian assistance and disaster response simulations.