US, partner nations sink two decommissioned ships during Exercise Balikatan
Military Times • • world
Key Points:
- United States, Philippine, Japanese, and Canadian forces conducted a combined live-fire exercise during Balikatan 2026, sinking two decommissioned Philippine Navy ships off Northern Luzon's coast.
- The exercise, the largest annual military drill between the U.S. and the Philippines, aims to enhance joint readiness and maritime defense capabilities while promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- The two-day Joint Task Force Maritime Strike (MARSTRIKE) event integrated sensors, missile systems, aircraft, and naval assets from all four countries to coordinate long-range maritime strikes.
- On day one, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force used a Type-88 surface-to-ship missile to sink BRP Quezon, while U.S. forces employed High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems; Philippine aircraft sank BRP Rajah Sulayman on day two.
- The exercise demonstrated increased interoperability among the participating forces, supported by various advanced systems including U.S. Marine Corps interdiction and air defense systems, unmanned aerial systems, and the Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown.