Philippines, US armies gear up for Salaknib 2027

The Philippines and the United States armies are preparing for the Salaknib 27, an annual bilateral military exercise focused on joint combat readiness, jungle operations, and tactical maneuvers in the Philippines.

AFP's Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez PAF met with US Army's 25th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Interoperability Col. Aidan P. Shattock at Camp Servillano A Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac City, on 13 August 2026, and discussed plans for the upcoming military engagement.

sThe meeting focused on preparations for SALAKNIB 27 and efforts to further enhance interoperability between NOLCOM and the US Army. Talks included the alignment of training venues, exercise scenarios, command relationships, logistics, and strategic messaging to ensure coordinated and effective execution of the exercise.

"NOLCOM remains committed to strengthening partnerships with allies and partners, enhancing interoperability, and advancing defense cooperation in support of national security and regional stability," Gonzalez said.

Some of the key training highlights during recent Salaknib exercises included joint maneuvers wherein the two armies hold complex tactical operations, including joint air assaults on Calayan Island and maneuvers at Naval Base Camilo Osias; jungle combat, as the soldiers conducted sharpened core infantry competencies like target engagement, tactical movement, and unit communication in rugged terrain; and interoperability, as the US Army build combined defense readiness alongside the Philippine Army to support regional security in the Indo-Pacific.