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US, Philippine, Japanese and Canadian Forces Conduct Joint Maritime Strike Exercise off Northern Luzon
United States, Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces sank two decommissioned Philippine Navy vessels off the western Northern Luzon coast during a two-day live-fire drill that concluded the annual Balikatan 2026 exercise on Friday. The Joint Task Force Maritime Strike integrated sensors, missiles, aircraft and naval assets across multiple domains.
May 11, 6:11 PM·2m read1 source
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United States, Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces sank two decommissioned vessels off the western Northern Luzon coast during a two-day maritime strike that formed a centerpiece of Exercise Balikatan 2026. The Joint Task Force Maritime Strike, known as MARSTRIKE, took place on Wednesday and Thursday as a critical live-fire event.
It brought together sensors, missile systems, aircraft and naval assets from the four countries to coordinate long-range fires against maritime targets.
Exercise Balikatan 2026 wrapped up on Friday. Defense News reported that the sinking occurred during the largest annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines. The drill is designed to improve combined readiness and maritime defense capabilities while showcasing the countries’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
On the first day, forces sank the decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel BRP Quezon with a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type-88 surface-to-ship missile. U.S. Army used High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to conduct strikes.
U.S. and Philippine forces,” JGSDF Lt. Col. Ishikawa Daisuke said in the announcement.
Philippine Air Force FA-50PH Fighting Eagles and A-29 Super Tucanos sank the BRP Rajah Sulayman on the second day. The BRP Rajah Sulayman was a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship used as a target.
U.S. Marine Corps’ Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and Marine Air Defense Integrated System. Fixed-wing aircraft from participating forces, unmanned aerial systems and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown also took part.
