US, PH launch 40th Balikatan Exercise with 'ship-killer' drill

The Philippines and the United States militaries have officially launched the 40th Balikatan Exercise, a joint training involving close to 17,000 personnel from April 21 to May 9.

This year's exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and combined capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Indo-Pacific Command across land, air, sea, space, cyberspace, and information domains.

A key component of the drills is a 'full-scale battle' test designed to simulate joint operational readiness, including the use of a 'ship-killer' system, in potential conflict scenarios concerning the West Philippine Sea.

The exercise will incorporate combined military doctrines and procedures, with observers from approximately 20 countries set to witness the training.

US Marine Corps Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm highlighted that the 'Full Battle Test' will demonstrate how tactical actions have operational effects for the multilateral force, allowing validation and improvement of the combined capability to defend the Philippines.

The joint exercises are taking place amid continued tensions between Manila and Beijing over incidents in the South China Sea.

Notable activities will occur in the northern and western parts of the Philippines, facing the West Philippine Sea and the Taiwan Strait, including maritime key terrain operations in Batanes and counter-landing operations in Cagayan.