Frances Mangosing

Japanese troops will set foot on Philippine soil for the first time since World War II to take part in the largest joint drills between the Philippines and the United States.

The Philippines and France on Thursday signed a key defense pact allowing their forces to train together, as Manila builds security alliances in the face of an increasingly assertive China in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Navy is partnering with a local university to develop autonomous drone prototypes, supporting the country's goal of building a more self-reliant defense posture (SRDP) amid rising security challenges.

France will scale down its participation in the upcoming iteration of the largest joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, citing a shift in deployment due to the Middle East crisis.

Japan will join the largest military exercises hosted by the Philippines and the United States for the first time as an active participant, deploying around 1,400 combat troops and introducing its Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system along with an array of weaponry as part of the drills, signaling deepening cooperation among allies seeking to uphold stability in the region.

Japan's US-2 advanced amphibious aircraft made its debut during Balikatan, the largest joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.

Published on By Frances Mangosing In News Share

A United States-led zero-trust network platform known as INDOPACOM Mission Network and designed to integrate allied military operations during crises was tested for the first time during the recently concluded Balikatan exercises, according to a top US commander.

The Philippines is verifying “raw information” on whether China has installed a structure in Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Monday.

The Philippine Navy on June 9, 2026, welcomed the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) into active service. It is the second Sulayman-class OPV built by HD HHI in South Korea.