Manila, Philippines — This year’s Balikatan Exercises, the Philippines’ largest annual joint military training operation with the United States, have officially begun with a major milestone: allied nations, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, are participating as active participants rather than mere observers for the first time.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils announced the UK’s inaugural involvement in Balikatan, calling it a “significant step” in strengthening defense ties with the Philippines.
“This year, we are thrilled not only to observe but to actively participate in Balikatan, with the inclusion of nine British commando forces,” Beaufils said.
The 2025 Balikatan drills, which run through May 9, mark a new phase in multilateral defense cooperation amid growing regional tensions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
In a related announcement, Ambassador Beaufils also revealed the deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales, part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, to the Indo-Pacific. The group departed Portsmouth for an eight-month deployment involving warships, supply vessels, aircraft, and nearly 4,000 British personnel.
Although the UK does not have a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Philippines, British Defense Attaché Group Captain Bea Walcot emphasized continued strategic defense collaboration.
“We maintain a permanent maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific through two vessels. This presence helps us gain critical insights and build partnerships,” Walcot said.
The UK has been vocal in supporting the Philippines amid increasing pressure from Chinese maritime aggression, expressing concern over harassment of Philippine vessels by Chinese Coast Guard units.
At the Media Reception 2025 for Filipino journalists on April 23, Ambassador Beaufils also reiterated the UK’s strong support for press freedom, describing it as “a cornerstone of truth and justice.” She reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to ensuring that Filipino journalists can operate freely and safely.
Beyond military cooperation, the UK is also ramping up initiatives in economic development, environmental protection, and climate action, highlighting its multi-sectoral approach to bilateral relations with the Philippines.