The U.S. and Philippine armies have launched Exercise Salaknib 2026 with an opening ceremony at Fort Magsaysay, the country’s largest military base.
The annual exercise, hosted by the Philippines, seeks to strengthen military ties and support stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Thousands of soldiers from both countries will train together in the coming weeks. Activities include jungle warfare, aviation support, live-fire drills and archipelagic defense—protecting a country made up of thousands of islands.
The drills aim to improve combat readiness and the two armies’ ability to operate as one team.
According to the U.S. Army, this year’s exercise highlights the strategic importance of the longstanding U.S.-Philippine alliance in keeping the Indo-Pacific free and open….
US-Philippine Alliance in Focus as Salaknib 2026 Exercises Kick Off
