MANILA, Philippines — Both Philippine and US troops conducted a simulated counter-landing operation along the northern coastline of Cagayan over the weekend as part of this year’s Balikatan war games.

The live-fire exercise, held in Barangay Dodan, Aparri, over the past week, include Filipino and American forces responding to a mock amphibious invasion by a simulated threat force. 

It was part of the  larger Balikatan 40-25 joint military exercises, which take on added significance amid growing security concerns in the West Philippine Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the drill demonstrated how combined Philippine and U.S. units would act to prevent a hostile force from establishing a beachhead in northern Luzon.

The Philippine Army and Marine Corps deployed Sabrah battle tanks, Light Armored Vehicles, ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers, and 105mm howitzers. Infantry units were supported by Smart Shooter targeting systems, designed to improve accuracy against small targets.

The U.S. side contributed air and ground support, including AH-64 Apache helicopters, F-16 fighter jets, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft that conducted maritime surveillance. U.S. units also provided real-time targeting and additional small arms fire during the simulation.

Participating Philippine forces included the Marine Corps, Army, Special Operations Command, Air Force, and reservists, who trained alongside counterparts from the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, and supporting units.

While the AFP said the drill emphasized coordination and preparedness, it also came as the Philippines has been increasingly vocal in asserting its territorial claims, particularly in areas where China has ramped up its presence.

The simulation took place in a province whose local officials have previously expressed concern over hosting U.S. troops, citing the risk of drawing the region into potential conflict.