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The exercise is expected to cover a range of scenarios, including maritime security, air and missile defence, offensive missile strikes, cyber defence, information warfare and humanitarian assistance.
One hundred fifty members of the Australian Defence Force will be supporting the exercise, aimed at enhancing the US and the Philippines’ bilateral response capabilities with 16,000 personnel taking part in the exercise’s 40th iteration.
Australia’s contribution will include land capabilities, medics, tactical air force components, as well as command and support personnel, Defence explained.
Australia has supported the exercise since 2014.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones explained that the exercise represents the deepening security relationship between Australia and the Philippines.
“The Philippines is one of our closest partners and friends, and under our strategic partnership, our defence relationship continues to deepen,” VADM Jones said.
“Balikatan 2025 highlights the United States and Philippines’ commitment to their bilateral partnership as well as interoperability with other partner nations.
“Australia’s participation demonstrates our commitment to security and stability, and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.”
