Philippine and US Forces to Conduct Live-Fire Maritime Strike Exercise During Balikatan 2025
Zambales, The Gulf Observer: Modern weapon systems from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their United States counterparts will be featured in a live-fire maritime strike drill on Monday, as part of the ongoing Balikatan 2025 joint military exercises.
Central to the exercise is the sinking of the decommissioned World War II-era corvette, the former BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19), which will serve as a target vessel located beyond 12 nautical miles or roughly 30 to 40 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.
“This will be the third ship we will be sinking during Balikatan,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Logico, spokesperson for Balikatan 2025, in a media briefing. Previous sinking exercises included the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31) in 2023 and the BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81) in 2024.
Participating Philippine assets will include FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucano attack aircraft, and fast-attack interdictor craft equipped with Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missiles. The BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) guided missile frigate will also engage using its LIG Nex1 C-Star sea-skimming cruise missile system.
The United States military will contribute with its air assets, including F-16 and F-18 fighter jets, and strategic bombers, showcasing advanced interoperability between the two allied forces.
The Balikatan (which means “shoulder-to-shoulder”) exercises, held annually, are designed to enhance joint military readiness and strengthen the defense alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
