‘Balikatan’ showcases advanced weaponry

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States (US) military are set to demonstrate advanced weaponry during the “Balikatan” maritime strike drills culminating Monday in the sinking of a decommissioned World War II corvette.

The BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) will be the third ship sunk in the history of the joint exercise. The target ship will be engaged at a distance beyond 12 nautical miles, approximately 30 to 40 nautical miles off Zambales coast.

Balikatan 2025 spokesperson Brig. Gen. Michael Logico said Sunday that Monday’s sinking will showcase the firepower of both allied forces, with the deployment of several modern weapon systems.

“Tomorrow (Monday), we will be sinking (the) former Miguel Malvar. This is the third ship we will be sinking,” Logico said.

AFP assets participating in the drills include FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B “Super Tucano” attack aircraft, and fast-attack interdictor craft, which will launch Spike Non-Line of Sight missiles.

The guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) will also deploy the LIG NEX 1 C-Star sea-skimming surface-to-surface missile system. US forces will participate with F-16 and F-18 fighter jets and bombers.

Logico stressed the importance of the joint exercise in enhancing the growing capabilities and cooperation between the two allied forces. The first ship sunk during Balikatan was the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31) in April 2023, followed by the BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81) in last year’s drills.

In addition to the maritime drills, AFP and US forces conducted a live-fire counter-landing exercise in Aparri, Cagayan, on Saturday, simulating a seaborne invasion scenario.

The joint operation focused on coastal defense, utilizing Javelin missiles, artillery, and air strikes from US Marine Corps AH-64 Apache helicopters and F-18 fighter jets. The final phase involved a joint infantry live-fire operation.

Logico cited that an “interloper” aircraft entered the training area during the counter-landing exercise, causing a temporary pause for safety, which he described as a routine measure.

He also explained that conducting drills in non-traditional areas like Aparri, Cagayan, provides more realistic training scenarios for littoral operations.

"Balikatan" 2025 aims to strengthen military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, enhancing regional security and defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.