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Allied Forces Sink Retired Philippine Ships in Balikatan Drill

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Four allied forces—U.S., Philippines, Japan, Canada—sank the retired BRP Quezon and BRP Rajah Sulayman off northern Luzon during Balikatan 2026.
The two-day MARSTRIKE drill combined sensors, missiles, aircraft and naval assets from four nations.
Japan fired a Type-88 surface-to-ship missile while the U.S. Army used High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on day one.
Supporting systems included a U.S. Marine ship interdiction system, a Marine air-defense system, drones and the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown.

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Story summary

Four allied forces—U.S., Philippines, Japan, Canada—sank the retired BRP Quezon and BRP Rajah Sulayman off northern Luzon during Balikatan 2026.
The two-day MARSTRIKE drill combined sensors, missiles, aircraft and naval assets from four nations.
Japan fired a Type-88 surface-to-ship missile while the U.S. Army used High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on day one.
Supporting systems included a U.S. Marine ship interdiction system, a Marine air-defense system, drones and the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown.