Japan to make 'Salaknib' drills debut in 2026
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
August 19, 2025, 2:49 pm
MANILA -- Japan will be participating in next year's "Salaknib" military exercises between Filipino and American soldiers, a Philippine Army (PA) official said Tuesday.
In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said this will be the first time that Japan will be taking part in the annual joint military exercises between Filipino and American forces.
"Based on the initial planning conference, this will be the first activity that will involve Japan," Dema-ala said.
Incidentally, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan will formally enter into force on Sept. 11.
The RAA is expected to beef up the interoperability between the two nations' militaries aside from affirming mutual readiness to decisively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Asked on how many participants will be coming from Japan for next year's "Salaknib," Dema-ala said they do not have the final numbers yet.
"No final numbers on the participants," he said.
Aside from Japan, Australia is also expected to take an active part in the 2026 iteration of "Salaknib," the PA spokesperson said.
Dema-ala added that the planning for "Salaknib" is now focused on the exercise proper and not on the capabilities of the participants.
"Salaknib," which means shield in Ilocano, reflects the historical bond between the Philippines and Americans that dated back to World War II when Filipino and American troops fought side-by-side.
The "Salaknib" drills started in 2016. (PNA)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
