19 nations to observe Balikatan 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen countries have sent observers for this year’s Balikatan exercises set to kick off tomorrow, with more than 14,000 Filipino and US soldiers taking part in joint training in various parts of the country.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Poland and Colombia were the first to confirm sending observers, while the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) and the Australian Defense Force are to actively join activities – as they did in past iterations of the Balikatan exercises.

“The International Observer Program enhances transparency and cooperation with allies and partners, strengthening regional solidarity,” AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said. The annual drills will run until May 9.

Trinidad said this year’s joint training exercise between the AFP and the United States Indo-Pacific Command is the 40th iteration of the bilateral defense drill, which has attracted regional partners, underscoring shared commitment among countries to peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“Balikatan 2025 underscores the ironclad alliance between the Philippines and the United States, reaffirming mutual defense commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty,” the AFP said in an earlier statement.

The military said this year’s events will feature full-scale joint training designed to test interoperability and enhance operational readiness in diverse scenarios.

These include Multilateral Maritime Event involving the JSDF for the first time, Command and Control Exercise, Combined Joint All-Domain Operations, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Maritime Strike and Counter Landing Live Fire Exercises.

“The joint training also supports the AFP’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, helping modernize capabilities to meet emerging threats including cyber, maritime and disaster response scenarios. Balikatan benefits host communities through infrastructure projects, health care services and economic stimulation via local procurement and temporary employment,” the AFP said.

“Balikatan 2025 stands as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, military interoperability and a shared vision for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region,” it added.

The AFP earlier announced the use in the exercise of the US military’s Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System or NMESIS anti-ship missile system for the first time, along with the Typhon mid-range capability missile system, which was used last year and has since remained in the country.