HMS Prince of Wales to lead UK military's expanded Indo-Pacific deployment amid historic Balikatan exercises

The yearly Balikatan Exercise between American and Filipino soldiers kicked off with an exciting new chapter: for the first time, allied nations that used to watch from the sidelines may be stepping up as active participants.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils shared the news of the UK's involvement, highlighting their dedication to bolstering the Philippine military.

She expressed, “This year, we are excited to not just observe but to be part of Balikatan, bringing nine British commando forces into the fold, which is a significant move for us.”

Other allies like Japan and Australia have also received invitations to join as participants in the 2025 Balikatan Exercises, set to continue until May 9th.

In a related but separate matter, Ambassador Beaufils also introduced another development: the arrival of the Carrier Strike Group HMS Prince of Wales to the Indo-Pacific area.

She mentioned, “HMS Prince of Wales left Portsmouth just yesterday and will be part of a task force that consists of warships, supply ships, aircraft, and nearly 4,000 British personnel for an eight-month mission. It’s an exciting time for us as the carrier strike group makes its way to this region.”

While there isn’t a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the UK and the Philippines, British Defense Attaché to the Philippines, Group Captain Bea Walcot, reassured that military and defense collaboration is strong.

She explained their active role in the Indo-Pacific, saying, “We believe in maintaining a permanent maritime presence in the region with two vessels operating across the Indo-Pacific, enabling us to gain better insight.”

Although their collaboration might not be as extensive as that with the United States, the UK remains a supportive ally for the Philippines, particularly concerning rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The UK has voiced concerns about the troubling tactics employed by Chinese Coast Guards and other actions that impact Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

During the Media Reception 2025 for Filipino Journalists held last April 23, 2025 British Ambassador Beaufils also highlighted UK’s unwavering support for press freedom, viewing it as a cornerstone of truth and justice.

She reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Filipino journalists can perform their duties freely and effectively.

Beyond military and maritime efforts, Ambassador Beaufils likewise highlighted UK's commitment to help the Philippines boost its economy, safeguard the environment, and tackle the challenges of climate change. These initiatives reflect the UK's comprehensive approach to enhancing its partnership with the Philippines across various sectors. — BAP, GMA Integrated News