US and Philippines to Conduct Large-Scale Military Drills Amid Middle East Conflict

MANILA, Philippines — More than 17,000 American and Filipino military personnel will participate in one of the largest annual combat exercises in the Philippines. The maneuvers, known as Balikatan or Shoulder to Shoulder, are scheduled for April 20 to May 8, 2026.

A US military official said the drills underscore the United States' commitment to Asia despite its preoccupation with the Middle East.

The exercises will expand this year to include forces from Japan, France, and Canada, which have signed visiting forces agreements with the Philippines. Japanese forces will fire a missile in a ship-sinking exercise in northwestern Philippine waters facing the disputed South China Sea. Philippine military officials said Japan's defense chief has been invited to witness the live-fire drill.

Expansion of Multinational Participation The Balikatan exercises involve longtime treaty allies the United States and the Philippines.

Philippine military officials noted that the inclusion of additional friendly forces aims to enhance regional security cooperation. A US military spokesperson stated during a news briefing that the deployment sends a message of dedication to the alliance. The spokesperson did not specify the exact number of US forces participating.

This year's scale is described as one of the largest to date. The defensive aspect of countering drones will be part of the mock combat operations, according to the US military spokesperson.

The exercises focus on combat scenarios relevant to regional threats.

Context in Regional Disputes China has opposed combat drills in the region, particularly those involving US forces near the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims to parts of the waters, a key global trade route. Territorial confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces have increased in recent years. Philippine military officials said the exercises do not target any specific country.

They acknowledged that the drills with the US and security allies would help defend Philippine interests in the disputed waters.