Soldiers fire up new skills on Balikatan In preparation for a live-fire serial during Exercise Balikatan, Australian gunners embedded with a United States high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) battery exchanged lessons on tropical maintenance, launch preparation and turning sensor data into firing solutions. As observers to the live-fire, the Australian team gained insights into how targets were detected, tracked and engaged. Bombardier Dylan Walker, who had completed his HIMARS training in Oklahoma, said observing the exercise enhanced his experience with the system. Read more ➡️ #YourADF# #StrongerTogether#

The U.S. and its Allies and Partners tested a new network platform during Balikatan 2026 that enables forces to integrate operations by securely sharing operational data, intelligence and battlespace information across domains. How could your military benefit from working with the U.S. and the INDOPACOM Mission Network to increase interoperability? Share your thoughts at #IPDF# #Balikatan2026# #IndoPacific#

Maritime Air Assault 🚁 @AustralianArmy soldiers from 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and 7th Signal Regiment, conducted a joint training mission with the US and the Philippines that focused on long-range maritime air assault execution during Exercise Balikatan 2026. Inserting on CH-47 Chinooks and UH-60 Black Hawks, soldiers established a defensive perimeter, protected the inserted asset and then established observation posts to expand security coverage. By executing a long-range maritime air assault, the training validated the capability to rapidly deploy personnel and supplies over expanses of water and into austere environments. #YourADF# #AusArmy# #StrongerTogether# @USMC @USArmy @TeamAFP

From its early iterations as a bilateral training event to today’s complex, all-domain exercise, Balikatan continues evolving with the region’s security environment. The exercise has expanded in scale, capability and interoperability, strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines while integrating like-minded partners. At the opening ceremony for Balikatan 2026 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Manila, U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members stood alongside counterparts from Australia, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand, underscoring the enduring shoulder-to-shoulder commitment that defines the exercise.