The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces strengthened their combined air defense capabilities during an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) training held on April 27, 2025, at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in Zambales.
As part of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025, Filipino and American troops worked side-by-side to detect and engage aerial threats using the Philippine Air Force’s Spyder Air Defense System and various Ground-Based Air Defense Systems. U.S. forces also demonstrated advanced counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) technologies, highlighting measures to detect unauthorized airspace incursions and bolster protection for deployed units.
One of the key systems featured during the activity was the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) of the U.S. Marine Corps. Designed to counter drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, MADIS provided participants a glimpse into the latest developments in integrated air defense.
General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the AFP, observed the training from the fusion center, where he witnessed firsthand the improved interoperability and communication between Filipino and American forces. The exercise showcased how both militaries are refining their combined air defense strategies through better system integration.
Exercise Balikatan 40-2025 aims to reinforce the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States, ensuring both nations are better prepared to respond to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
