Balikatan 2025 Features Advanced Missile Systems

The Philippines and the United States deployed advanced missile systems, including NMESIS and Madis, during the expanded Balikatan 2025 military exercises to bolster maritime defense, especially near the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Approximately 17,000 troops participated in these war games, which featured live-fire naval operations, complex scenarios such as island retaking, and integrated air and missile defense drills. Japan and Australia joined this year's drills as main participants alongside the Philippines and US, while 19 other nations attended as observers. The exercises aimed to enhance interoperability, surface warfare tactics, and collective deterrence capabilities. The presence of sophisticated US weaponry and broader international involvement signals a strong commitment to regional security amid rising tensions with China. These developments underscore the Philippines' deepening defense partnerships and growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific.