By BlueShift | 2026-05-12

The inclusion of space-based enablers in the US-Philippine led Balikatan 2026 military exercise advanced the integration of space capabilities into one of the Indo-Pacific’s largest multinational exercises, military sources said.

The recently concluded 19-day drill was held across the Philippine archipelago from April 20 to May 8, with participation from 17,000 military personnel from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Japan.

Thirteen additional nations joined the 41st iteration of Balikatan -- which means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalong -- under the International Observers Program, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The integration of the US Space Force (USSF) into the Joint Task Force marked a significant milestone for the service and advanced the integration of space capabilities into the drill, according to the United States' Pacific Air Forces.

"Our participation in Balikatan 2026 marks an important step in integrating space capabilities into large-scale multinational exercises," USSF Indo-Pacific commander Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro said during a visit to Camp Aguinaldo.

Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo served as the exercise's strategic hub and command center, hosting both opening and closing ceremonies.

"Space affects every domain of military operations, from communication and navigation to missile warning and situational awareness," Denaro said.

"By bringing those into the exercise environment, we strengthen the joint force’s ability to respond quickly, coordinate effectively and operate with greater precision alongside our allies and partners."

Introducing space-based enablers into combined operations signals the increasing importance of space capabilities in modern warfare, and enhances joint force synchronization, strengthening regional security.

USSF personnel brought expertise in space domain awareness -- a key focus throughout the exercise -- enabling commanders to better understand the operational environment and respond decisively.

They contributed to defensive space operations and operational-level planning, according to the US Pacific Air Forces, working alongside air, land, maritime and cyber planners to incorporate space effects into decision-making processes.

"The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic environment and maintaining readiness requires seamless coordination across every warfighting domain," Denaro said.

The inclusion of USSF personnel "strengthens military-to-military coordination and proves that our alliance is adapting to modern warfare, ensuring a combat-credible allied posture in the Indo-Pacific," he added.

Strengthening deterrence, interoperability

During the exercise, participating forces conducted integrated air and missile defense and took part in a multinational maritime event, maritime key terrain security operations, strike operations and counter-landing live fire exercises.

They also took part in humanitarian and civic assistance activities.

Japan sent combat troops for the first time, firing surface-to-ship missiles that sank an old warship in waters between the Philippines and Taiwan as part of the drill, accelerating its shift towards a more muscular defense policy.

Balikatan 2026 highlighted the growing capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct joint and combined operations with allies and partners, the forces said in a statement.

The successful conduct of the exercise reflects the shared resolve of participating forces to promote stability, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure a secure and peaceful future for the region, it added.

In remarks delivered at the exercise's closing ceremony, AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. emphasized that Balikatan serves not only as a training platform but also as a deterrence exercise.

"Balikatan demonstrated in full measure our preparedness: a professional and capable force working alongside trusted allies and partners to strengthen deterrence, stability, and peace," Brawner said.

Philippine defense secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. stressed that the exercise supports the preservation of peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region.

He pointed to the need to "invest in higher technology because with precision comes safety," and incorporate more technical development and approaches into the next Balikatan drill to improve deterrence and interoperability.