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PH, US military chiefs eye bigger drills

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
February 12, 2025, 1:36 pm

MANILA -- The chiefs-of-staff of the Philippines and the United States are looking to expand military exercises being conducted by the two nations.

This, after Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. spoke with US Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) chair Gen. CQ Brown via phone on Feb. 10 (US time).

"Gen. Brown and Gen. Brawner discussed military modernization initiatives, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites and increasing the scope and capacity of joint exercises in the Philippines," a JCS statement posted Tuesday (US time) said.

During their talk, Brown emphasized to the Philippine side the importance of domain awareness capability in securing the country's exclusive economic zone.

"The US continues to closely partner with the Philippines and remains committed to maintaining a strong alliance founded upon shared strategic interests and democratic values," the JCS added.

Earlier, the AFP said this year's "Balikatan" exercises with American forces will be among the largest in history.

This could be attributed to the expansion of "Balikatan" which now involves air, land, sea and cyber maneuvers and participation of other nations allied to the Philippines and US. (PNA)