US troops start Balikatan 2025 exercises with advanced weapons demos

Starting April 21 and lasting until a week before the Philippine election day, approximately 17,000 troops from the US Indo-Pacific Command will participate in Balikatan 2025 exercises in various parts of the Philippines.

This year's iteration includes advanced weaponry demonstrations such as the NMESIS missile system.

The exercises also feature live-fire testing of anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air-missiles.

Expanded participation from allied nations is expected during this year's Balikatan 2025.