PH, US conduct division tactics during 'Balikatan'
Philippine News Agency
By Darryl John Esguerra
April 27, 2025, 8:32 am
MANILA -- Philippine and United States naval forces carried out a Division Tactics (DIVTACS) drill on Saturday as part of the ongoing Balikatan Exercise.
The drill was carried out 21 nautical miles west of San Felipe, Zambales under the Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) component of the annual joint military exercise.
The DIVTACS drill focused on enhancing interoperability through coordinated tactical maneuvers and signals, maneuvering procedures, and command and control.
The training aimed to improve the participating fleet's ability to operate as a unified force in maritime scenarios.
Participating Philippine vessels included BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36), and the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). US naval assets in the exercise were USS Savannah (LCS 28) and USS Comstock (LSD 45).
The successful execution of DIVTACS "underscores the commitment of all participating forces to strengthen maritime cooperation, readiness, and collective defense capabilities," according to Balikatan Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force's 960th Air and Missile Defense Group hosted on Friday a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on the SPYDER air defense system at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command in San Antonio, Zambales.
The session brought together air defense personnel from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, allowing Filipino defenders to share operational experience and insights on the SPYDER system.
Balikatan, now in its 40th iteration, continues to serve as a platform for strengthening joint capabilities and regional defense partnerships.
The Balikatan drills began on April 21 and will end on May 9. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
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