Japan Conducts First Missile Launch from Philippine Soil, Signaling Strategic Military Cooperation
Japan has conducted its first-ever missile launch from Philippine soil, marking a significant event in the Exercise Balikatan 2026. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile, which successfully hit a decommissioned Philippine naval vessel in the South China Sea. This event is notable as it represents the first deployment of Japanese combat troops in the Philippines since World War II, facilitated by a reciprocal access agreement between Manila and Tokyo. Approximately 1,400 Japanese soldiers participated in the exercise, highlighting growing military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines amid concerns over China's regional assertiveness. The exercise involved around 17,000 troops from seven countries and included various missile systems from the U.S. and Philippine forces. 
