US-PH 39TH BALIKATAN EXERCISE 2024, PCG JOINS FOR THE FIRST TIME

For the first time, the ships of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will participate in Balikatan exercises for 2024, this includes the ships of France, Philippines, Australia, and America within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

The purpose of the Military Balikatan Exercise is to demonstrate combat readiness to the allied countries. Among those who will take part in the military training are F-22 fighter jets, AC 130 aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Blackhawks, and America’s F-35 fighter jets.

Joint training exercise in the country (Photo courtesy of US Marine Corps/Philippine Star)

“The reason why we do exercises is to demonstrate our combat readiness and it is also a demonstration of our comprehensive archipelagic defense concept, you do exercises for that primary reason,” Executive agent for 2024 Balikatan Exercises Col. Michael Logico stated.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) didn’t want to confirm if the vessels will pass through the EEZ where China Coast Guard are present. This also include the Panganiban Reef where China blocked the resupply ship of the Philippines going through BRP Sierra Madre in Angunin Shoal. The Philippines will also send the BRP Antonio Luna and other new military hardware. 

“I do not discount the possibility that this also sends a message to our adversaries, to our friends, to our allies, and also to our like-minded partners. The message actually if you take it into totality, is the main goal of the exercise objectives, which is to demonstrate the strength of the alliance and our willingness to defend our territory,” Logico added.

The 39^th Balikatan exercises will be held across several location in the country, 14 nations will arrive as observers from Canada, Brunei, Germany, France, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and United Kingdom.

Source: Philippine Star

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