US, Philippines display firepower in their largest joint military exercises in years

Troops from the United States and the Philippines are taking part in live-fire exercises on the northern Philippine island of Luzon. Marines from both countries have also held an island defence drill in the area during the annual Balikatan or “shoulder to shoulder” joint military drills that began on March 28, 2022. The joint exercises were described as the largest in years to be held in the Philippines. US military officials said the objective is to demonstrate the strength of their alliance, while their Philippine counterparts stressed a need for readiness amid “unfolding events” internationally.