Philippine Army Trains With US Army Against for Amphibious Assault during Balikatan 2024 Exercise.

During the Exercise Balikatan 2024 in Ilocos Norte, the Philippine military engaged in live-fire drills using 155mm and 105mm howitzers to counter a simulated amphibious assault, as reported on the Facebook Page of Philippine Army. These joint military maneuvers with the United States, conducted from April 22 to May 10, involved nearly 17,000 troops, including observers from 14 nations, amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan's southern coasts.

On May 6, 2024, Bravo Battery from the 5th and 10th Field Artillery Battalions conducted a live-fire drill targeting offshore at La Paz's Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (Picture source: Philippine Army)

This year's exercises were significant due to their scale and the introduction of advanced weapons systems. Notable among the deployed assets were the Typhon ground-based missile system, capable of reaching up to 1,600 kilometers, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), known for its effectiveness in the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the Philippines deployed for the first time the C-star naval missile system, which can target up to 140 kilometers away.

Significantly, the Philippine Army trained in real-fire scenarios against an enemy amphibious assault. Notably present was the ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Purchased from Israeli company Elbit Systems, specifically its subsidiary Soltam Systems, the ATMOS 155mm/52cal is a truck-mounted artillery system known for its high mobility and powerful strike capability, capable of firing projectiles up to 41 kilometers. This system was acquired as part of the Horizon 2 modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, with a contract for 12 units costing approximately 47 million USD, completed in December 2021.

The exercises also had strategic implications, taking place beyond the Philippine territorial waters, directly challenging China's expansive claims in the region. The drills occurred near the Spratly Islands and the western coast of Palawan, emphasizing the importance of these areas in the Philippines' defense strategy.

The military and defense collaboration between the United States and the Philippines has significantly intensified, especially in response to the rising hegemony of China in the South China Sea. This partnership is fundamentally aimed at strengthening the Philippines' defense capabilities through joint military exercises, strategic deployments, and modernization of defense assets.

Futhermore, The enhanced cooperation between Manila and Washington forms part of a broader effort to ensure regional security and stability in response to increasingly assertive Chinese actions in the South China Sea. In response to aggressive Chinese tactics, such as disruptions of Philippine resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering "countermeasures" with allies.

Moreover, the presence of international participants and observers, including France conducting nearby patrols, highlights the growing European interest in Indo-Pacific security.