The United States and the Philippines have approved over 500 joint military activities for 2026, strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. The decision followed the annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board meetings, which set guidance and schedules for operations, including Balikatan 2026, the largest joint exercise between the two nations. Activities will include live-fire drills, maritime patrols, air defense exercises, humanitarian missions, and cyber-defense coordination. Officials emphasized that the expanded program enhances interoperability, operational readiness, and the ability to respond to conventional and non-conventional threats. Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, both nations are committed to joint defense in case of armed conflict. The U.S. will provide additional personnel, advanced systems, and rotational deployments, while the Philippines will expand access to training areas under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Officials noted that the activities are defensive in nature and designed to bolster readiness and regional stability, particularly amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
