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'Balikatan' troops engage in cyber defense exercise

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
April 25, 2025, 10:05 am

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that Filipino and American troops are taking part in the "cyber defensive exercise" (CYDEX) phase of this year's "Balikatan" exercise.

In a statement Thursday night, the AFP said the CYDEX began on April 21 and runs until May 9.

"CYDEX is being simultaneously carried out across various AFP units," it added.

Representatives of the Colombian Armed Forces, United States Indo-Pacific Command, Canadian Armed Forces, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the AFP Cyber Command's Cybersecurity Incident Response Team observed the continuation of the exercise on Thursday.

"This exercise is a key component of this year's 'Balikatan,' designed to strengthen mutual cyber defense capabilities and enhance interoperability in responding to evolving digital challenges," the AFP said.

It added that the exercise brought together personnel from both nations to "simulate real-world scenarios, share best practices, and develop coordinated response strategies to defend critical information infrastructure." (PNA)