Balikatan 2025

Current Context: The Philippines will host the Balikatan 2025 joint military exercise from April 21 to May 9, 2025.

About the Exercise –

• Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog.
• Initiated in 2002, primarily between the US and the Philippines.
• Focus areas:Humanitarian Assistance,Disaster Relief,Military Coordination & Readiness
• Nations participating: United States, Japan, Australia.
• Japan to formally participate for the first
• Drills will focus on defending Palawan and Luzon islands , near the South China Sea and Luzon Strait.

Japan’s Role in 2025:

• 150 personnel from Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
• Deployment of a Mogami-class frigate.
• US Military Deployment:Inclusion of NMESIS (Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) – enhances anti-ship capability.
• Participation Size: Around 15,000–16,000 troops.
• Observer Nations: Czech Republic, Poland, others.