Monday News – April 29, 2024

16K US, PH troops start Balikatan drills

WARSHIPS from the United States, Australia, France and the Philippines will sail
in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in maritime exercises coinciding with the
Balikatan 2024, which begins today, April 22, the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) said Sunday.

Balikatan 2024 aims to bolster collaboration and readiness across a range of

critical areas, said Col. Michael Logico, Balikatan 2024 spokesman, including
external defense, cyber defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance,
disaster assistance and capacity-building.

France will join the group sail but will only navigate on the edge of the Philippine
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in WPS. The Japan Defense Force was supposed to
join the maritime sail but did not respond to the AFP's invitation on time.

At least 16,000 troops (11,000 on the US side and 5,000 from the Philippines) will
take part in the Balikatan exercise with the participation of 14 countries as
observers. Logico said the objective of Balikatan exercises is to demonstrate the
strength of the alliance and its willingness to defend territory. Lt. Gen. William
Jurney, commander of US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and US exercise director
for Balikatan 2024, expressed confidence in the strengthened capabilities
achieved through joint endeavors.

On the US side, Logico said the Americans will have at least two ships, F-22 Raptor
fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, Black Hawk helicopters, and medium-range
capability weapon systems. Logico said the Philippines will use FA-50 fighter jets,
Super Tucano light attack aircraft, Black Hawk combat utility helicopters and the
Spyder ground-based air defense system of the Philippine Air Force. Also
participating are the frigate BRP Antonio Luna, patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz,
and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur of the Philippine Navy, said Logico.
THREE QUESTIONS
1. How many troops will take the part on Balikatan exercise?
2. What countries will sail on the West Philippines Sea for maritime exercises
coinciding with the Balikatan 2024?
3. How many ships that US are using for weapon?