Participants of the cyber defense exercise (CYDEX) attend a mission briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (April 24, 2025). CYDEX is designed to strengthen mutual cyber defense capabilities and enhance interoperability in responding to evolving digital challenges. (Photo courtesy of the Combined Information Bureau, Exercise Balikatan 40-2025)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that Filipino and American troops are currently participating in the cyber defense phase of this year’s Balikatan joint military exercise.
Known as the Cyber Defensive Exercise (CYDEX), the training began on April 21 and will continue through May 9, according to a statement released by the AFP on Thursday evening.
CYDEX is being conducted simultaneously across multiple AFP units, highlighting its broad scope and importance.
Military observers from the Colombian Armed Forces, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Canadian Armed Forces, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Philippine Coast Guard, and the AFP Cyber Command’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Team witnessed the ongoing drills on Thursday.
“This exercise plays a crucial role in this year’s Balikatan, aiming to boost mutual cyber defense capabilities and improve interoperability in tackling today’s digital threats,” the AFP stated.
The drills are designed to simulate real-world cyber threats, promote the exchange of best practices, and build joint strategies to safeguard critical information infrastructure.