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Multinational Troops Join Forces in Salaknib Exercise 2026

4/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Salaknib exercise began on April 6, 2026, at Fort Magsaysay, with 7,000 soldiers from the United States, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
The training aims to boost readiness in jungle warfare, aviation, and island defense.
Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees emphasized building credible allied combat forces.
Japan will deploy combat troops for the Balikatan exercise, their first deployment to the Philippines since 1945.

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Story summary

The Salaknib exercise began on April 6, 2026, at Fort Magsaysay, with 7,000 soldiers from the United States, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
The training aims to boost readiness in jungle warfare, aviation, and island defense.
Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees emphasized building credible allied combat forces.
Japan will deploy combat troops for the Balikatan exercise, their first deployment to the Philippines since 1945.