A live-fire exercise simulating a beach landing took place on April 27, 2026, on the west coast of Palawan, a Philippine island bordering the South China Sea. The exercise, a key event in the annual multilateral war games known as Balikatan 2026, involved forces from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States.
Showcasing Allied Resolve
The exercise began with rockets launched from an American HIMARS, followed by air support, artillery, and missile fire. Troops concealed in defensive positions then engaged a simulated enemy amphibious force with small arms. A drone delivered a final explosive strike against unmanned vessels representing enemy landing craft. More than 500 troops participated in the event, which is described by those involved as embodying the meaning of “Balikatan”—“shoulder to shoulder.”
According to Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the exercise demonstrated a “resolve to work together to defend the Philippine archipelago and to uphold the rules-based international order.” He emphasized the strategic importance of Palawan, which faces the West Philippine Sea and the country’s exclusive economic zone, stating, “It’s really highly essential that we defend this territory of the Philippines.”
Strategic Implications
The U.S. Marine Corps participation in the counter-landing exercise was led by Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), comprised of 1/5 Marines. Col. George Flynn III, commander of MRF-D, stated, “We have the ability to be a global force in readiness and in support of our allies.” He added that the location of the exercise—Palawan—demonstrated the Marine Corps’ ability to respond when needed.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, commander of the 1st Marine Division, noted the exercise was more complex than previous iterations, with greater integration of forces from multiple countries. He also affirmed that the U.S. Military maintains the capacity to fulfill its global commitments despite other ongoing conflicts.
The Southern Command of the People’s Liberation Army reported that a four-ship naval task force sailed near Luzon in response to “the current regional situation,” including a Dongdiao-class intelligence gathering ship. Capt. Paul Michael Hechenova, commanding officer of the Philippine frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, reported no direct interaction with the Chinese vessels, stating they were “just here monitoring our activity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise Balikatan?
Exercise Balikatan is an annual series of multilateral war games held in the Philippines. The name “Balikatan” means “shoulder to shoulder,” reflecting the collaborative nature of the exercises.
Where did the live-fire exercise take place?
The live-fire exercise took place on the west coast of Palawan, an island in the Philippines facing the South China Sea.
Which countries participated in the exercise?
The exercise involved troops from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States.
As regional tensions continue to rise, what steps will be taken to ensure continued collaboration and defense readiness among these allied nations?
