U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and Philippine Army soldiers conduct anti-armor training with the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle during Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 6, 2026. The training emphasized engagement techniques and the employment of anti-armor systems, enabling soldiers to identify, engage, and neutralize targets while reinforcing safe weapons handling and range procedures. This bilateral training enhances combined lethality, strengthens interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces, and improves both nations’ ability to counter armored threats in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed their enduring partnership today as they officially commenced Exercise Salaknib 2026 with a formal opening ceremony. The annual exercise, hosted in the Philippines at the invitation of the Philippine government, marks a cornerstone of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance and a shared commitment to regional stability.
Over the next several weeks, thousands of U.S. and Philippine soldiers will train shoulder-to-shoulder in a series of complex, multi-domain training events. The exercise is designed to enhance combat readiness and interoperability between the two armies, focusing on a wide spectrum of military operations, from jungle warfare and aviation operations to advanced live-fire and comprehensive archipelagic defense concept. This year’s exercise underscores the strategic importance of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It provides a critical opportunity for both nations to refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring a seamless response to potential security challenges. Representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, vice commander of the Philippine Army, spoke on the value of the combined training. Morados also addressed international participants, noting that their involvement reinforces regional stability.
“Beyond tactics and systems, this exercise is about people. It is about the bonds formed between soldiers who train together under demanding conditions. It is about mutual respect and shared responsibility. These are the foundations of any successful alliance. To our partners from the United States Army and participating nations, your presence here affirms a shared commitment to peace and security,” he said. “We value your partnership and the professionalism you bring to this endeavor,” Maj. Gen. Efren Morados said.
The exercise also includes participation from regional partners, with subject matter experts and observers from the Australian Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and New Zealand Defence Force. Their involvement reinforces shared security interests among like-minded nations committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Throughout the exercise, participating forces conduct complex, multi-domain operations, including live-fire events, aviation and counter-mobility operations and jungle training. Exercise Salaknib, first conducted in 2016, is a two-week army-to-army exercise between the United States Army and the PA. This year, the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (2IBCT), 25th Infantry Division (25ID) is providing the majority of U.S. Army forces. The purpose of this exercise is to increase military readiness, reinforce interoperability, and strengthen relationships. Exercise Salaknib 2024 includes multiple small-arms and maneuver live fire exercises (LFX), jungle training, artillery and mortar LFX events, and several engineering and construction projects.
