Rizal, Philippines. (April 26, 2025): This week the U.S. and the Philippines concluded Balikatan 25, a joint military exercise that puts China on notice… we will be ready. In this photo by Sergeant Ezekieljay Correa, U.S. Marine Sergeant Ceasar Luna, right, Australian Army Lieutenant Benjamin Buchanon, left, and Philippine Airman Sergeant Edmond V. Quimson Jr. observe a target during a close-air support rehearsal.
This is the fortieth Balikatan exercise that featured joint sailing, medical evacuation, and live fire events. In addition to conventional warfare, the militaries practiced providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It is also the first time the games were joined by the Japan Maritime Self-defense Forces.
The exercise opened with a maritime interdiction scenario where Philippine Navy assets swiftly engaged and neutralized a simulated seaborne invasion. The U.S. Navy contributed Sailors from the USS Savannah and USS Comstock who participated in exercises involving maritime search and rescue, replenishment at sea, and gunnery training. For the first time, the Americans deployed their Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, a ground-based launcher designed for sea denial and control with a range of one hundred nautical miles.
The U.S. Marines also introduced its newly formed Littoral Rotational Force-Luzon, a dedicated infantry unit that will train continuously with their Filipino counterparts. On the drone front, the U.S. has provided the Philippine Navy with its new electric Mantas T-12 underwater drone, a bat-like uncrewed submarine to conduct surveillance, search, and rescue, mine detection, and electronic warfare missions. The Manta can launch from ship or shore, carry a 64-kilogram payload, and is equipped with sensors and cameras.
This year’s humanitarian missions were carried out at five locations across the Philippines focusing on improving local infrastructure, sharing medical skills, and reinforcing ties with local communities.
Observers of the exercise included Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.