About 400 members of the Australian Defence Force are taking part in the 41st iteration of the largest bilateral military exercise conducted between the Philippines and the United States. 

Balikatan 2026 brings together more than 16,000 personnel from the Philippines, the US, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Czechia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom will participate as international observers, further strengthening multinational collaboration. 

Australia’s contribution to Balikatan includes land forces, medical teams, tactical air and the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba. 

Participating ADF elements will train alongside partners in key mission sets, such as maritime security, targeting, air and missile defence, cyber defence and humanitarian assistance.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the ADF welcomed the latest opportunity to contribute to Balikatan. 

“The Philippines is one of our closest partners and friends, and our defence relationship continues to deepen under our strategic partnership,” Vice Admiral Jones said. 

“Exercise Balikatan reflects the depth of our defence relationship with the Philippines and the United States, and our shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. 

“I am extremely proud of the ADF forces enhancing their skills and experience, and strengthening people-to-people links with our multinational partners.” 

Exercise Balikatan is designed to maintain high levels of military readiness and enhance bilateral response capabilities between the Philippines and the US. Australia’s involvement supports deepening defence cooperation, improves interoperability and provides valuable training for deployed personnel across a range of complex military scenarios.