From April 11 to 28, more than 17,600 members of the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military will participate in Balikatan 2023, an annual
bilateral exercise between the two allies and the largest iteration of Balikatan to
date.

This year marks the 38th iteration of the exercise, incorporating training activities
throughout the Philippines.

Approximately 5,400 AFP personnel and 12,200 U.S. military personnel will train
shoulder-to-shoulder, developing interoperability and improved capability in the areas
of maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation
operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief preparedness. The increase in participating personnel from Balikatan
2022’s 9,000 participants shows that the scope of the exercise grows consistently
year after year.

This year’s iteration includes a bilateral command post exercise that will strengthen
the Allies’ ability to plan, coordinate, and provide command and control of forces
together against a range of scenarios and simulated challenges. This training event
will also enable the AFP and the U.S. military to refine tactics, techniques, and
procedures related to maritime security, and deconflict fires and maneuver in a
shared and contested battlespace.

ield training exercise events will take place across the Philippines to test the Allies’
capabilities in combined arms live-fire, information and intelligence sharing,
communications between maneuver units, logistics operations, amphibious operations,
and many other skill sets.
The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple Humanitarian Civic Assistance
(HCA) projects to improve infrastructure, enhance medical response, and strengthen
ties between local communities and Philippine and American military forces. These
activities include the construction or renovation of three community health centers and
multipurpose halls and hands-on training in advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving
techniques.
“The Balikatan Exercise enhances both the AFP and the United States Armed Forces’
tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations,” said
AFP Spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar. “It increases our ability to work together
effectively and efficiently in response to various crisis situations.”
“Balikatan provides unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and
readiness of the Philippine-U.S. security alliance,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Huvane,
Balikatan Combined Joint Information Director. “Engagements such as Balikatan are
important investments in our ability to work together across the spectrum of military
operations, respond to crises, support the people of the Philippines, and accomplish
our shared missions.”
Balikatan is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load
together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and the alliance between the
Philippines and the United States.
The Philippines is a key U.S. ally. It is the largest recipient of U.S. military
assistance, equipment, and training in the region. Together, the United States and the
Philippines are committed to promoting regional peace and stability.