Philippine Army Chief Unveils Historic Trilateral Military Exercise
Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete announced a groundbreaking military exercise during a press conference at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, February 16, 2026. The briefing marked the launch of the month-long celebration for the Army's 129th founding anniversary, highlighting the service's ongoing modernization and international partnerships.
Salaknib Exercise to Include Japanese Troops for First Time
Lt. Gen. Nafarrete revealed that approximately 5,000 soldiers from the Philippines, United States, and Japan are expected to participate in the first iteration of the "Salaknib" military exercises, tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Salaknib, meaning "shield" in Ilocano, represents a significant expansion of regional defense cooperation.
This year's exercise will be historic as it marks the first participation of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) troops since the Reciprocal Access Agreement between the Philippines and Japan entered into force on September 11, 2025. The agreement facilitates military cooperation and joint exercises between the two nations.
Exercise Structure and Training Objectives
Nafarrete explained that while Salaknib has traditionally been a bilateral exercise between the US and Philippines, approximately 300 JGSDF personnel will join the upcoming drills. "They will join us in various training activities," the Army chief stated, emphasizing the growing trilateral partnership.
The exercises will focus on multiple critical areas:
- Infantry operations and joint combined arms training
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities
- Military capacity building programs
- Enhancing interoperability between all participating forces
Nafarrete stressed the importance of HADR training, noting: "Because they know that we are always being visited by typhoons and they are very willing to provide the capabilities in HADR. We need more training exercises on HADR." This focus reflects the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters and the military's expanding role in disaster response.
Exercise Schedule and Locations
The Philippine Army has outlined a comprehensive exercise schedule for 2026:
- The first Salaknib iteration is planned for April, potentially at Northern Luzon locations including Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija
- The annual Balikatan exercises between Philippine and US forces will follow from April to May
- A second Salaknib iteration is slated for June, shortly after Balikatan concludes
This sequential scheduling allows for continuous training and skill development throughout the year, maximizing the benefits of international military cooperation.
Strategic Significance and Future Implications
The inclusion of Japanese forces in Salaknib represents a strategic evolution in regional security partnerships. The Reciprocal Access Agreement has created new opportunities for military collaboration that extend beyond traditional bilateral arrangements.
Nafarrete's announcement underscores the Philippine Army's commitment to modernization through international partnerships. The 129th anniversary celebrations provide context for these developments, highlighting how the Army is evolving to meet contemporary security challenges while maintaining its historical traditions.
The trilateral exercises will not only enhance military capabilities but also strengthen diplomatic ties between the participating nations. As geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region continue to evolve, such cooperative training initiatives become increasingly important for maintaining regional stability and security.
