Around 260 Australian Defence Force personnel have arrived in the Philippines to participate in the 40th iteration of Exercise BALIKATAN, from 21 April to 9 May 2025.
Held annually, BALIKATAN is designed to enhance military interoperability and readiness in support of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines.
The ADF contingent includes conventional and special forces from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, exercising tactical air components, coastal defence and security, sustainment, medical support, and multinational coordination. Air Force engineers will also deliver humanitarian civic assistance.
Australia has participated in the exercise since 2014 and has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines and the United States dating back to the Second World War.
Want even more videos like this? Subscribe to Defence Australia: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmsPZM64f-WDZ_WREdXLfQ?sub_confirmation=1
Connect with the Defence Australia:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defenceaustralia/
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/defenceaustralia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/departmentofdefence/
X: https://twitter.com/DefenceAust
Website: https://www.defence.gov.au/
ABOUT DEFENCE AUSTRALIA
To defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity.
S20251253