US and Partner Nations Conduct Live-Fire Exercise in Balikatan 2026, Sinking Decommissioned Ships
During Exercise Balikatan 2026, the United States, along with Philippine, Japanese, and Canadian forces, conducted a live-fire drill that resulted in the sinking of two decommissioned ships off the coast of Northern Luzon. The exercise, known as MARSTRIKE, is part of the largest annual military exercise between the U.S. and the Philippines, aimed at enhancing combined readiness and maritime defense capabilities. The drill involved the use of sensors, missile systems, aircraft, and naval assets to coordinate long-range fires against maritime targets. The exercise demonstrated the integration of forces across multiple domains to achieve tactical objectives. 
