U.S. and Philippine forces shot down drones with Stinger missiles during joint military drills in Zambales, aimed at testing readiness amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea. Over 14,000 troops are participating in the Balikatan exercises, which run until May 9.
The drills are designed to test the readiness of the two defense allies in response to regional security concerns. China has criticized the exercises as provocative.
The drills took place in Zambales, a province in the western Philippines facing the South China Sea, a contentious area between China and Southeast Asian nations. Relations between Beijing and Manila are at a low point, with frequent clashes in the disputed waters raising fears of military conflict.
Chinese media reported maritime operations by the country's coastguard at Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in China, while the Philippines conducted its own maritime operation, accusing China of illegal activity in the area.
Despite the tensions, the Philippine military stated that this year’s drills were not directed at any specific country, focusing instead on national defense. The exercise included the live-fire testing of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), marking its second test and first deployment to the Philippines.
The Balikatan drills also featured the debut of the U.S. Navy's NMESIS anti-ship missile system, which will be used for security operations in Northern Luzon and near Taiwan.
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