The United States (US) began the Balikatan exercise, its largest joint drills with the Philippines in the past 30 years.

The exercise involves 12,200 US and 5,400 Philippine soldiers, as well as 111 servicemen from Australia.

During the two weeks of the drills, the military personnel will practice amphibious, urban, aerial and counterterrorism operations, as well as live-fire training and maritime security procedures.

The field exercise, which will test the allies’ capabilities, communication between units, logistics and information sharing, will take place across the Philippines. The exercise will bring Filipino and US troops together for live-fire drills at sea for the first time ever.

Source: Oman News Agency