Philippine and US Forces Conduct Air Defense Drills in Zambales

ZAMBALES, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. forces conducted an integrated air and missile defense demonstration at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in Zambales on April 28, 2026. The exercise included launching a missile to intercept a drone, resulting in a successful hit observed by soldiers from both countries.

This was part of the larger Balikatan 2026 war games. The four-day activity simulated coordinated responses to enemy air assets approaching the Philippines. Systems used included the Philippine Air Force's SPYDER air defense system, the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Air Defense Integrated System, and the U.S. Army's AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Air Defense System.

Personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Force observed the drills but did not participate in this specific activity.

A Philippine military officer stated that the exercises were important for improving joint operations in defending airspace. The officer noted that participants learned from allies, identified gaps, and planned to address them for better performance.

Balikatan 2026 involves over 17,000 soldiers from seven nations: the Philippines, the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France. The war games represent the largest iteration to date and require complex coordination across all Philippine unified military commands.

The activities reflect a shift in Philippine defense priorities from internal to external and archipelagic security. All participating foreign militaries come from countries with which the Philippines has military visiting forces agreements.

The exercises also demonstrate expanded defense networks beyond the traditional U.S. alliance. For the U.S., the drills convey commitment to the region amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The Balikatan activities are hosted across the Philippines and include various drills beyond air defense.