Japan and Canada Join Expanded ‘Balikatan’ Drills as Manila Bolsters Coastal Defenses Against Chinese Aggression

Balikatan 2026 sees Japan and Canada join US-Filipino forces in the South China Sea. Read about the new missile systems and Taiwan contingency planning.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from FDD

Multinational Coalition Replaces Traditional Bilateral Drills

The 2026 Exercise Balikatan has transitioned from a bilateral U.S.-Filipino event into a broad multinational security demonstration, reflecting Manila’s strategy of seeking safety in numbers. Initiated on April 20, the drills now include active military detachments from Japan and Canada, both of which recently formalized defense agreements with the Philippines. This expanded "shoulder-to-shoulder" framework aims to create a unified front against rising Chinese maritime assertiveness. By incorporating forces from France, New Zealand, and Australia, the exercises serve as a high-visibility signal that the security of the South China Sea is now a matter of global rather than merely regional concern.

First-Time Deployment of Supersonic and Anti-Ship Systems

A central feature of this year’s exercises is the operational testing of high-end missile platforms intended to fortify the Philippines' "archipelagic defense" posture. The Filipino military is simulating the deployment and firing of its Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which were integrated into the coastal defense network earlier this year. Additionally, the drills feature the Japanese Type 88 anti-ship missile and the U.S. Typhon system, the latter of which is capable of launching Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. These platforms provide Manila with a credible stand-off capability, allowing it to threaten hostile naval assets from the safety of its coastlines.

Japanese Rearmament and the Reciprocal Access Agreement

The active participation of Japanese soldiers marks a historic shift in Tokyo’s defense policy and its relationship with Manila. Following the activation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement in September 2025, Japanese forces have moved from their traditional role as observers to full participants in mock battle maneuvers. This evolution is supported by Tokyo's reworked arms export policy, which has paved the way for the sale of advanced frigates and radar technology to the Philippines. The integration of Japanese personnel into Balikatan serves as a practical test of interoperability, ensuring that the two island nations can coordinate a joint response to maritime incursions.