U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USC Midgett (WMSL 757), right, Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), left, and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) steam in formation during the group sail exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 24, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Manuel

“Exercise Balikatan is the largest annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and the United States, and this year will include Australia, Japan, France, Canada, and New Zealand. The Tagalog phrase “Balikatan” means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which captures the spirit of the exercise and the close friendship between the United States and the Philippines. Taking place April 20 to May 8, 2026, across the Philippine archipelago, Balikatan 2026 (BK26) marks the 41st iteration of the exercise that covers a range of scenarios – from conventional warfare to foreign disaster response – ensuring all participants remain prepared for a range of contingencies. The execution of BK26 enhances planning, command and control systems, logistics, and communication through realistic simulations and war-gaming. The exercise directly supports ongoing efforts to operationalize the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) by ensuring tactical proficiency, interoperability, capability development, and improved military-to-military coordination between our forces. The exercise also demonstrates our long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” —https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Balikatan