Metro Manila, Philippines – Japan will deploy combat troops to participate in the Balikatan exercises in the Philippines, marking a significant expansion of its role from previous observer status, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief said Tuesday, March 24.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the participation reflects deepening defense cooperation among the Philippines, Japan and the United States, as regional security challenges intensify.
“From being observers in previous iterations of the Balikatan exercises, Japan will deploy combat troops to actively participate,” Brawner said during a Stratbase forum in Makati City.
He said the Balikatan drills will be the largest yet, with expanded scope including cyber defense exercises, drawing lessons from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Our defense cooperation continues to expand in both scope and depth… our engagements reflect deepening trust and interoperability,” Brawner said.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo earlier signaled stronger participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces in joint exercises, particularly Balikatan, as part of broader security cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.
“I anticipate strengthened participation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the upcoming joint exercises held in the Philippines, particularly in the Balikatan,” Endo said during the same forum.
The move comes as both countries, along with the United States, push for closer coordination amid growing concerns over maritime security and regional stability.
Brawner said the Philippines and Japan share common interests in upholding international law, freedom of navigation and a rules-based order, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine-Japan defense partnership has expanded in recent years, highlighted by agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and increased joint training and interoperability efforts.
