Japan Joins U.S.-Philippines ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ Drills with Missile Launch as Regional Tensions Rise

Japan is deploying approximately 1,400 personnel from its Self-Defense Forces to participate in the annual Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, marking the first time Japanese forces are taking on a direct operational role in the drills.

The exercise, which began on April 20, 2026, involves more than 17,000 service members from multiple countries including Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand. Japanese personnel are participating in live-fire drills, missile defense training, and operations using land-to-ship weapon systems as part of the multinational effort.

General Romeo Brawner, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stated that the exercise is guided by a shared commitment to uphold international law, respect sovereignty, and contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific where nations can thrive without coercion.

Colonel Higuchi Takeshi of the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff said the participation aims to deepen coordination and mutual understanding with other countries’ units through multilateral drills and improve Japan’s ability to respond appropriately to various situations.

The increased Japanese involvement follows the implementation of a new Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines that took effect last September. The accord streamlines procedures for deploying equipment and personnel, enabling Japan to fully participate in joint exercises like Balikatan.

According to reports from Reuters and other international news agencies, the exercises feature scenarios focused on real-world readiness, including activities near the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, reflecting heightened regional tensions.

The Balikatan exercise, whose name means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog, represents the largest iteration of the annual drill to date, with participating nations emphasizing defensive cooperation and interoperability amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.