'Shared adversity,' new weapons as PH, US forces launch 'Balikatan'

The Philippine and US militaries kicked off Monday three weeks of joint exercises that will simulate a "full-scale battle scenario," as the two allies seek to deter to Beijing's ambitions in the disputed South China Sea.

Around 17,000 troops are expected to take part in the annual "Balikatan," or "shoulder to shoulder" drills, which for the first time will include an integrated air and missile defense simulation to be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Sophisticated US weapons including the "highly mobile" NMESIS anti-ship missile system will also be deployed, including near a crucial chokepoint in the waters separating the northern Philippines from self-ruled Taiwan.

"We will demonstrate not just our will to uphold our mutual defense treaty in existence since 1951 but our matchless capability to do so," US Marine Corps Lieutenant General James Glynn said Monday at the Balikatan opening ceremony in Manila.

"Nothing builds bonds more quickly than shared adversity," he added, without specifying a common threat.

Philippines Major General Francisco Lorenzo added the exercises would reinforce the country's ability to address "contemporary security challenges."

The Philippines has been engaged in months of confrontations with Beijing over disputed areas of the South China Sea.

It has steadily deepened defense cooperation with treaty ally the United States since Marcos took office in 2022 and began pushing back on China's sweeping claims to the crucial waterway.

During a recent visit to Manila, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was "doubling down" on the alliance.

"Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country -- considering the threats from the Communist Chinese," he said in late March.

While the bulk of visiting forces involved in Balikatan will be from the United States, countries including Australia and Japan are sending smaller contingents.

Activities

Live-fire testing will also be conducted using C-Star anti-ship missile, MBDA Mistral 3 very short range surface-to-air missile, and Rafael Spike NLOS short-range surface-to-surface missile.

The high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) will also be used in the exercise.

Among the major activities that will be carried out during Balikatan are the following:

• Integrated Air And Missile Defense at the Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (NETDC) inSan Antonio, Zambales on April 27
• Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise (LFX) within the vicinity of Rizal, Palawan on April 28
• Counter-Landing LFX in Aparri, Cagayan on May 3 and 4
• Maritime Strike Event at NETDC in Zambales on May 5.
• Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) in the northern sector from April 25 to May 4
• MKTSO in Palawan from May 1 to 5
• Multilateral Maritime Event within the vicinity of Subic Bay up to Northern Luzon's Joint Operational Area from April 21 to 29

'More missile systems'

Last year's Balikatan featured tests of the US Typhon mid-range missile system, which was left behind following the exercises.

The Philippine Army subsequently said it was planning to acquire the Typhon, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."

Philippine Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner last month said the Philippines was indeed looking to upgrade its arsenal.

"We are looking at acquiring more missile systems to complete the integration of our air and missile defencs," he told New Delhi's Raisina Dialogue, adding more warships and fighter jets were also being sought.

On April 2, the United States said it had approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in long-coveted F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was "still in the negotiation phase."

A week later, the Philippines took possession of the first of two corvette-class warships with "advanced weapons and radar systems" acquired in a deal with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries.

'Inevitably' involved

Given the Philippines' proximity to Taiwan and its surrounding waters, Manila's cooperation would be crucial in the event of any US conflict with China.

On April 1, as Chinese ships and warplanes surrounded the self-ruled island in a simulated blockade, Brawner said his country would "inevitably" be involved should the democracy be invaded.

China considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory and has vowed to one day bring it under its control.

While Manila later said Brawner's comments were primarily referencing efforts to retrieve Filipino workers in Taiwan, its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with Washington gives US forces access to nine bases in the country.

Two of those are located in Luzon's northernmost Cagayan province, which will host live-fire drills during Balikatan this year. — Agence France-Presse