US and Philippine forces intercept drones during collaborative defense exercises

During live-fire exercises on Sunday, U.S. and Philippine forces successfully shot down drones using Stinger missiles, as part of their annual joint military drills amidst rising tensions with Beijing over the South China Sea.

This year’s Balikatan exercises, which involve over 14,000 troops from both nations and will continue until May 9, emphasize a comprehensive battle assessment between the two defense treaty allies in light of regional security issues. China has condemned these drills as provocative.

The exercises took place in Zambales, a province in the western Philippines that borders the South China Sea, a contentious area between China and Southeast Asian countries. Relations between Beijing and Manila have deteriorated significantly, with frequent clashes in the disputed waters raising fears of military conflict.

Last week, Chinese state media reported that the coastguard had conducted maritime control operations at Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef by China, while the Philippines carried out its own maritime operation on Sunday, noting the illegal presence of Chinese coastguard and maritime militia vessels.

Although the Philippine military characterized this year’s drills as a preparation for national defense, they clarified that the exercises were not aimed at any specific country. The integrated air and missile defense exercise in Zambales utilized the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), marking its second live-fire test and first deployment in the Philippines.

This type of training is absolutely invaluable to us, said 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment Officer John Lehane to reporters following the exercise. Additionally, this year’s Balikatan introduced the NMESIS, the U.S. anti-ship missile system, which will be utilized in maritime security operations in Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands, located near Taiwan.