August 20, 2025
MANILA – Japan and Australia are set to participate in the 2026 Salaknib military exercises, marking the first time the annual Philippine-US drills will include other partners, the Philippine Army confirmed on Tuesday.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson for the Philippine Army, said the planning conference for Salaknib 2026 identified the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Australian Army as part of the training.
“Based on the initial planning conference, this will be the first activity that will involve Japan as an active participant, as well as Australia, after the Reciprocal Access Agreement,” Dema-ala said.
The Salaknib exercise, traditionally a bilateral land-based drill between the Philippines and the United States, will keep its name but broaden its objectives to include more partners.
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“It’s still the same because that’s [Salaknib] what we’re using, but the objectives are what will change,” Dema-ala said.
“We need to level up, and with the participation of Japan and Australia, we can address the challenges with the Philippine Army more comprehensively,” he added.
He said the focus of Salaknib 2026 will cover the “full spectrum” of training—from personnel and sustainment to intelligence, command and control, and cyber operations.
No details have yet been finalized regarding the number of Australian and Japanese personnel joining or which equipment will be deployed./mcm