MANILA, Philippines — Approximately 1,000 Japanese military personnel will participate in the 2026 iteration of the “Balikatan” exercises, marking a significant increase in Japan’s involvement in the Philippines’ largest annual joint military drills.
- Scale: Major General Rommel Cordova, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff for plans, stated that this year’s Balikatan (scheduled for April to May 2026) will be one of the largest in history.
- Multilateral Participation: In addition to the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan, troops from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France are expected to participate.
- International Observers: Another 18 countries will join the Balikatan International Observers Program.
- Frequency: The AFP noted that since late 2023, the Philippines and its partners have conducted 35 maritime cooperative activities (MCAs).
This expanded Japanese presence is made possible by the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan, which officially entered into force on September 11, 2025.
- Streamlined Deployment: The RAA allows for easier deployment of forces between the two nations for joint training and disaster response.
- Shift in Role: Previously (as in 2025), Japanese troops primarily participated in Balikatan as observers. Under the RAA, they are now transitioning into active participants in the field exercises.
The increase in bilateral and multilateral drills comes amid heightened regional tensions and a push for greater maritime cooperation among “like-minded” nations in the Indo-Pacific.