Rappler Recap: US Marines shoot drones, fire missile in Balikatan 2026 drill

ZAMBALES, Philippines – Along the calm shores of San Antonio in Zambales on Tuesday, April 28, the Philippines and US militaries carry out drills to test how they would jointly defend Philippine airspace, should enemy aircraft try to enter.

The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Demonstration is one of many major activities under Balikatan 2026, the largest and most complex iteration of the bilateral war games to date. In Zambales, a province under the Northern Luzon Command, the US Marines, the Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force train together for four days. Personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Force act as observers. 

Defense reporter Bea Cupin walks you through the drills and what the Philippines and US want to achieve and convey through Balikatan. – Rappler.com