MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. announced that this year’s “Balikatan” exercise will feature a “full battle test,” where all military doctrines and procedures will be evaluated. The exercise, set to begin in late April and run through mid-May, will involve joint operations with American military forces, primarily conducted within the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) area.
In his speech at Nolcom’s 38th founding anniversary, Brawner emphasized that the Balikatan exercises will test various plans, doctrines, and procedures developed over the years. “This year we are going to test them. It’s very important that we prepare for any eventuality,” Brawner stated. He did not provide specific details about the participating troops, assets, or types of drills for security reasons.
The AFP chief highlighted that the exercises will focus on testing the command and control systems, ensuring a common operational picture throughout the operations. He also noted that warfare today includes not only traditional combat but also cyber, information, cognitive, and political warfare.
Brawner also praised Nolcom as a vital shield against external threats, particularly in the northern hemisphere. He recognized Nolcom’s significant progress in shifting to territorial defense as part of the AFP’s broader strategy.