Philippines to Rehearse BrahMos Strike by Simulation in Balikatan 2026
The drills highlight integration of Philippine missiles with US systems through low-risk simulations.
Overview
- The Philippine exercise director said Monday that the Marines’ BrahMos battery will join a joint maritime strike in Northern Luzon only through a constructive, simulated firing.
- Simulation firing will switch on sensors and fire-control chains as in combat, yet no missile will be launched.
- US Balikatan director Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman said the Typhon missile system remains in the Philippines and is expected to be worked into the exercise, with exact tasks still being finalized.
- Balikatan 2026 brings together more than 14,000 personnel and warships from the Philippines, the United States, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, with maritime strike drills planned near Taiwan and live-fire events near Scarborough Shoal.
- Planners aim to practice linking BrahMos with US systems such as Typhon and NMESIS, building coastal defense teamwork after the Philippines received its first BrahMos batteries in April 2024.