Japan-Philippines cooperation has reached a new level during ongoing Balikatan military exercises. The Self-Defense Forces sent about 1,400 personnel to this year’s drills. That figure represents a massive increase from 150 participants in 2025. Consequently, this Japan-Philippines cooperation now includes live-fire missile exercises and amphibious operations. Media outlets observed the live-fire drills on Wednesday from a coastal area in Paoay, Luzon. The exercises started on April 20 and will run until May 8.
During Wednesday’s drills, the Ground Self-Defense Force fired two Type 88 surface-to-ship guided missiles. The missiles struck a target about 75 kilometers off the Paoay coast. The U.S. military also demonstrated its NMESIS unmanned missile system and MADIS air defense system during these exercises. The nearby Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines serves as a crucial waterway. Chinese military vessels frequently use this route to reach the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, this Japan-Philippines cooperation aims to boost deterrence against Beijing’s growing assertiveness.
The SDF has participated in Balikatan exercises since 2012 but mainly as an observer. However, the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) took effect in 2025. This agreement simplified visa procedures and the transport of weapons for training drills. Consequently, Japan could dispatch a large contingent of SDF personnel to the Philippines much more easily. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi observed Wednesday’s live-fire missile drill personally. A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official told reporters that the exercises will effectively put a check on China.
Japan-Philippines cooperation also includes accelerated defense equipment transfers. Both nations signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement in January. This allows the SDF and Philippine military to provide each other with food, fuel, and other supplies. Furthermore, discussions on a General Security of Military Information Agreement are progressing. That pact would allow both sides to exchange highly confidential military information. Yoshifumi Hibako, a former GSDF chief of staff, stressed the significance of deeper ties. Understanding each other’s equipment and capabilities comes only through joint exercises, he said. Possessing the same equipment will deepen these connections even further.
China’s rapid military expansion concerns both Tokyo and Manila deeply. Chinese military aircraft directed radar at Air Self-Defense Force jets over international waters in December. Chinese forces also fired flares at Philippine government aircraft near reefs in the South China Sea. Beijing aims to eventually unify Taiwan with mainland China. Taiwan’s southern tip lies just over 400 kilometers from the drill site. This Japan-Philippines cooperation helps prevent Manila from becoming isolated in Southeast Asia. Many regional nations have strong economic connections with China. Nevertheless, both Japan and the Philippines share a common threat perception.
Looking ahead, Japan will likely export used destroyers to the Philippines. Both defense ministers agreed on Tuesday to start detailed talks on this matter. The Philippine side also expressed interest in Japan’s Type 03 midrange surface-to-air guided missiles. Japan previously provided patrol boats and a control and warning radar system to Manila. The recent revision of Japan’s Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfer made weapons exports possible in principle. Consequently, this Japan-Philippines cooperation will expand further through shared military technology. The Balikatan exercises will continue strengthening trilateral ties with the United States. Regional stability in the Indo-Pacific remains the ultimate goal of these deepening partnerships.
