Around 150 members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are taking part in the 40th iteration of the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and the United States.
Exercise Balikatan is an annual training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military forces, aimed at maintaining a high level of military readiness to enhance the nations' bilateral response capabilities.
Australia's participation provides a key training opportunity for deployed personnel and supporting defence cooperation between all participating nations.
Exercise Balikatan 2025 includes more than 16,000 personnel from the Philippines, United States and Australia, as well as three nations involved in the AFP-hosted international observer program.
Australia's contribution consists of land forces, medics, tactical air force components and, command and support personnel.
During Balikatan 2025, personnel will take part in a range of scenarios in maritime security, air and missile defence, offensive missile strikes, cyber defence, information warfare and humanitarian assistance.
This is the 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan with the ADF having been a full participant since 2014.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN:
"The Philippines is one of our closest partners and friends, and under our strategic partnership, our defence relationship continues to deepen.
"Balikatan 2025 highlights the United States and Philippines' commitment to their bilateral partnership as well as interoperability with other partner nations.
"Australia's participation demonstrates our commitment to security and stability, and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region."
