world
Japan's Self-Defense Forces Fire Type 88 Missiles in Philippine Balikatan Exercises
Japan's Self-Defense Forces launched Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles for the first time from the Philippines during the Balikatan military exercises on May 6, 2026. The drills involved about 1,400 Japanese personnel, warships, aircraft and missile systems targeting a mock enemy ship. The exercises included participation from Japan, the U.S. and other countries.
japantimes.co.jpAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Jp reported. The launches targeted the decommissioned Philippine Navy's Quezon corvette as a mock enemy ship, occurring about 75 kilometers off the shores of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, in the northwest Philippines. The Self-Defense Forces took on a combat role for the first time in the 2026 Balikatan military exercises, with about 1,400 personnel deployed to the Philippines.
Multiple warships and aircraft from Japan's Self-Defense Forces were deployed to the Philippines for the Balikatan military exercises, along with anti-ship missile systems. , and other countries.
