By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As part of the ongoing Balikatan 2026 Exercises of Philippine and American military personnel, an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise was conducted at San Antonio, Zambales from April 26-29.
During the exercise, Philippine and U.S. forces collaborated to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a seamless sensor-to-shooter process.
Early warning data from radar systems were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling rapid engagement using the Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System alongside U.S. assets such as the U.S. Army’s Avenger and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS).
The use of these weapons in live-fire exercises demonstrates the interoperability of both forces in their quest to enhance combat preparedness against drones and other aerial threats.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in an interview, “These are modern threats, these are different strategies that we have to consider, and basically on this part, makikita natin diyan yung mga drone operations and how to counter them.”
Meanwhile, military personnel from the Philippines, United States, Australia, and New Zealand participated in a counter-landing exercise in Aporawan, Palawan on Monday.
The troops conducted counter-landing drills by firing rockets aimed at a simulated adversary, using advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities during the ‘Balikatan’ maneuvers.
The U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) was the equipment of choice for this simulation, serving as a platform to launch a counter-attack on threats that are approaching the beach from the sea.
This exercise culminated in a barrage of direct-fire weapons from all participating nations engaging the last wave of targets, showcasing tactical proficiency and close coordination between various military forces.
The 41st installment of the Balikatan exercises in 2026 will run between April 20 and May 8. Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom are likewise expected to participate in this year’s edition of the Balikatan exercises. Eighteen other countries will serve as observers in the military drills. (with report from Patrick de Jesus | PTV News)
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