PCG joins AFP in Balikatan Exercise for first time

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will join for the first time the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 39th annual Balikatan Exercise, scheduled from April 22 to May 10.

Joint naval exercises involving Philippine, US, Australian, and French ships will take place within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The PCG will deploy four 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) and two larger patrol vessels that regularly conduct maritime security operations in the EEZ.

Members of the Coast Guard Special Operations Force will also participate, alongside various Philippine military assets such as missile frigates, offshore patrol vessels, light jet fighters, close air support aircraft, combat utility helicopters, and SPYDER air defense missile batteries.

Activities during the exercise include Command and Control Exercises (C2X), Field Training Exercises (FTX), Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA), and training with medium-range capable missiles for aerial defense.