The Philippine Army and the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) have commenced the Salaknib and Balikatan (SABAK) Exercises 2025, marking a significant enhancement in bilateral defense cooperation. The opening ceremony was held on March 24, 2025, at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Boosting Military Interoperability
SABAK 2025 is designed to strengthen the warfighting capabilities of both nations' armies while demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding the Philippines' territorial integrity.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the exercises focus on enhancing combined/joint all-domain operations, reinforcing warfighting capabilities, and showcasing robust bilateral cooperation in defense.
Training activities encompass Humanitarian Civil Assistance, Information Operations, Counter-Intelligence, and Protection, ensuring a well-rounded approach to security and operational readiness.
The exercise is divided into two phases:
- Phase 1: Conducted from March 24 to April 11 at Fort Magsaysay.
- Phase 2: Scheduled from May 19 to July 20 at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and within the areas of responsibility of the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions.
Approximately 5,000 soldiers are participating in SABAK 2025, comprising around 3,000 Philippine Army troops and 2,000 USARPAC troops. The exercises emphasize enhancing operational Command and Control, Combined Arms Force-on-Force, Large-scale Operational Maneuvers, Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, and Sustainment Operations in support of External Security Operations.
Typhon Missile System in SABAK 2025
As part of preparations for SABAK 2025, the Philippine military has undergone training on the U.S.-made Typhon missile system. Initially deployed in the Philippines in April 2024 before the Balikatan exercises, the system remained in Luzon after the drills concluded in May.
The Typhon system can launch Tomahawk missiles with a range of up to 1,600 kilometers and SM-6 missiles capable of striking air and sea targets within a 200-kilometer radius. The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring the system as part of its regional defense strategy.
Currently stationed at an undisclosed location in Luzon following its relocation by the U.S. military last week, the Typhon system will be used in the Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) Katihan next month before being integrated into the Salaknib 2025 drills.
