Philippines, US Launch "Full Battle Test" Near South China Sea Flashpoints | Firstpost Spotlight

Philippines, US Launch "Full Battle Test" Near South China Sea Flashpoints | Firstpost Spotlight | N18G

The Philippines and the United States have kicked off Balikatan 2025, their annual joint military exercise, amid escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Over 14,000 troops are participating in what both sides describe as a "full battle test" — a strategic rehearsal aimed at boosting real-world combat readiness. The drills extend across flashpoint regions, including the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, with advanced weapons systems like NMESIS, MADIS, and the Typhon missile being showcased. For the first time, the US is deploying anti-ship missiles in the Luzon Strait while simulating the retaking of occupied islands. Palawan, a province near contested shoals, is central to these exercises and will host live fire beach defence drills. Australia and Japan are also participating as key regional allies.

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