The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted joint air-assault and manoeuvre drills in April 2026 as part of Exercise Salaknib 2026 [1].
These drills serve to enhance regional coordination and interoperability among allied forces. The exercises occur as tensions continue to rise between China and Taiwan [1, 2].
The two-phase exercise took place in the Cagayan province of the northern Philippines [1], with additional activities reported at Fort Magsaysay [2]. The maneuvers focused on air-assault tactics and coordinated troop movements to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the partner nations.
Beyond the primary partners, the drills included participation from the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force, the Australian Army, and the New Zealand Army [1, 2]. This multilateral approach signals a broader coalition effort to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reports on the scale of the exercises vary. The Winnipeg Free Press said that more than 17,000 American and Filipino personnel participated in the exercise [3]. However, The Spec said the number of participants was about 14,000 [4].
The exercises are designed to ensure that the combined forces can operate effectively in complex environments. By practicing joint maneuvers, the participating nations aim to create a seamless command structure during potential regional crises [1, 2].
“The exercises occur as tensions continue to rise between China and Taiwan.”
The inclusion of Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand forces in Exercise Salaknib 2026 indicates a shift from bilateral U.S.-Philippine cooperation toward a multilateral security framework. By diversifying the participants and focusing on air-assault capabilities in northern provinces, the allies are signaling a collective commitment to deterring aggression in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
