<span>PH, Japan troops hold live-fire exercise in Tarlac </span><span> </span>

United Front PH, Japan Troops Conduct Historic Live-Fire Exercise in Tar
Tarlac

In a significant milestone for bilateral defense cooperation, the Philippin
Philippine Army (PA) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conduc
conducted a historic live-fire exercise in Capas, Tarlac. The Salaknib dr
drills at Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Santa Juliana, Tarlac, have been 
an annual affair since 2015. However, this year's exercise marked Japan's f
first-time participation, underscoring the country's commitment to strength
strengthening ties with the Philippines.

A New Chapter in Defense Cooperation

The live-fire exercise involved over 200 Filipino troops from the 1st Tank 
Battalion, utilizing four Sabrah light tanks. JGSDF deployed 40 members of 
the 12th Brigade Recon Combat Battalion and four maneuver combat vehicles. 
The scenario played out like a real-life mission locating the enemy, fixin
fixing their positions, and ultimately destroying the target.

Safety Protocols in Place

In addition to rehearsing tactical scenarios, participating troops also tra
trained on safety protocols, including troubleshooting procedures in case o
of misfire or weapon malfunction. This emphasis on operational safety and m
mission continuity underscores the importance of proper training and coordi
coordination in joint exercises.

Leaders Witness the Drills

PA Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, Armor Division chief Brig. Gen. 
Ronel Manalo, JGSDF 12th Brigade deputy brigade commander Col. Yoshifumi Og
Ogura, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Executive Director Unders
Undersecretary Antonio Habulan, and US Army Pacific commander Maj. Gen. Jam
James Bartholomees witnessed the drills, demonstrating the high level of in
interest and cooperation between participating nations.

A Strategic Partnership Takes Shape

This year's Salaknib exercise directly supports the Army's active transit
transition to external security operations by focusing on combined operatio
operations with the US Army Pacific and partner armies. The live-fire drill
drills are a testament to the growing strategic partnership between the Phi
Philippines and Japan, solidifying their commitment to regional peace and s
stability.

A New Era in Defense Cooperation

The Reciprocal Access Agreement signed between the two nations on July 8, 2
2024, and coming into force on September 11, 2025, has paved the way for en
enhanced defense cooperation. The live-fire exercise marks a new era in def
defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, signaling a strong p
partnership that will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.

As professionals in the military operations, it's essential to stay informe
informed about joint exercises and drills between countries. This historic 
live-fire exercise serves as a testament to the growing strategic partnersh
partnership between the Philippines and Japan, highlighting their commitmen
commitment to regional peace and stability.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.