PAF Joins Missile Defense Exercise in Balikatan 2026

04 Mei 2026

PAF’s SPYDER Air and Missile Defense System alongside U.S. assets in Exercise Balikatan 2026 (all photos: PAF)

The 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) participated in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise conducted as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 from April 26 to 29 in Zambales. The activity highlights the PAF’s role in strengthening air and missile defense capabilities alongside allied forces.

During the exercise, Philippine and United States forces worked together to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a coordinated sensor-to-shooter process. Radar systems provided early warning data which were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling timely engagement using the PAF’s SPYDER Air and Missile Defense System alongside U.S. assets. As part of its participation, the 960th AMDW also conducted simulation activities to further enhance operational proficiency in air and missile defense operations. The integration of counter-unmanned aerial systems further strengthened the capability to address evolving aerial threats.

The conduct of the IAMD exercise underscores the importance of coordinated ground-to-air defense systems in addressing complex and evolving operational scenarios. Aligned with the objectives of Exercise Balikatan, the activity strengthens combined capabilities, enhances interoperability, and improves the readiness of participating forces to respond to emerging threats. It also reinforces the shared commitment of allied forces to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, while supporting the Philippine Air Force’s thrust of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization. (PAF)

AFP, U.S. Armed Forces Strengthen Aerial Domain Defense in IAMD Drill

In demonstration of strengthened aerial domain defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces conducted an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise on April 26-29, at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.

During the exercise, Philippine and U.S. forces collaborated to detect, track, and engage simulated targets through a seamless sensor-to-shooter process. Early warning data from radar systems were analyzed and relayed to tactical units, enabling rapid engagement using the Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System alongside U.S. assets such as the U.S. Army’s Avenger and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The integration of counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) technologies further enhanced the capability to counter aerial threats.

The training brought together key air defense units, including the 3rd Light Air Defense Artillery Battalion (LAAB), E/6-52 35th Air Defense Artillery (ADA), and the 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW). The exercise was observed by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), reflecting a shared commitment among like-minded nations to regional stability and collective security.

The IAMD exercise underscored how coordinated, ground-to-air defense systems provide a robust defense against increasingly complex aerial threats. As Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 progresses, training activities like IAMD continue to enhance interoperability and operational readiness among allied forces, ensuring a synchronized, responsive, and mission-ready defense of national airspace. (PAF)