The Philippines and the United States have launched their annual “Balikatan” military exercises, which will simulate full-scale combat scenarios over three weeks amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea. This year’s drills involve 17,000 troops and, for the first time, feature integrated air and missile defense operations. US precision systems like NMESIS will be deployed near the Taiwan Strait, highlighting the allies’ commitment to mutual defense. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is expected to observe key simulations.
