Japan Joins “Balikatan” Drills — First Troop Presence in Philippines Since WWII
Troops from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force have joined the annual “Balikatan” military exercise alongside forces from the United States and Philippines in Ilocos Norte.
The deployment marks a historic moment — the first time since World War II that Japanese troops have set foot on Philippine soil.
The drills focus on coastal defense and counter-landing operations, featuring Japan’s Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, alongside U.S. systems designed for air defense and counter-drone operations.
Shinjiro Koizumi, currently visiting the Philippines, observed the exercise on-site with Philippine defense officials, underscoring growing military cooperation in the region.
alliances in the Indo-Pacific are tightening.