Philippines, US, Australia Conduct Amphibious Invasion Drill

Philippine and United States forces, joined by Australia in some exercises, conducted high-intensity coastal defense drills simulating responses to amphibious invasions during Exercise Balikatan 2025. In Aparri, Cagayan, Philippine and US troops demonstrated interoperability by detecting and countering a mock seaborne threat with coordinated air, ground, and maritime assets, including tanks, artillery, attack helicopters, and surveillance aircraft. The exercises aimed to intercept enemy forces before they could establish a foothold, employing multiple phases of defense and showcasing joint firepower coordination. Brigadier General Michael Logico emphasized the drills' role in preparing ground forces for layered defense operations and regaining initiative against external threats. Separately, in Palawan, Philippine, American, and Australian troops defeated a simulated amphibious invasion, with U.S. Army HIMARS, Australian anti-tank missile teams, and the Philippine Navy engaging maritime targets. These combined drills reinforce allied readiness and commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.