Balikatan Exercises

The Balikatan Exercises are annual military training activities held mainly between the United States and the Philippines. The term "Balikatan" means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Filipino, reflecting the cooperative nature of these exercises. They aim to enhance interoperability, readiness, and capability of both nations' armed forces, focusing on areas like humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and counterterrorism. Through these exercises, military personnel strengthen their skills and foster mutual understanding, reflecting the long-standing alliance between the two countries.