Japan Increases Troop Numbers in Balikatan Drills with Philippines

Japan expanded its participation in the annual Balikatan military exercises in the Philippines this year, sending about 1,400 personnel along with warships, aircraft and anti-ship missile systems. The three-week drills concluded on May 9, 2026. This marked the first time since World War II that Japanese combat-capable forces have operated in the Philippines as partners rather than occupiers.

The exercises included sinking a mock enemy ship and counter-landing drills conducted in northern Philippine areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea. These locations have become central to regional deterrence planning. Japanese personnel trained alongside some 15,600 troops from seven other countries, including the United States, the Philippines and Australia.

Japan had sent observers to the Balikatan exercises since 2012. This year's drills represented a change, with Japanese forces taking a more active role in one of the largest and most complex iterations to date. The increase to roughly 10 times last year's personnel level reflects Tokyo's expanding involvement in regional security activities.

Defense officials from Japan and the Philippines spoke with soldiers during the exercises in Paoay, Ilocos Norte province. The drills took place amid rising tensions in the region. Japanese forces participated in training that included anti-ship missile systems as part of the joint operations.

The exercises concluded Friday after three weeks of activities. Japan provided personnel, warships, aircraft and missile systems for the drills. Officials described the partnership as focused on joint training rather than any specific threat.