US, Philippines hold largest exercises in

The United States and the Philippines on Tuesday launch their largest combat exercises in decades that will involve live-fire drills. The 38th annual drills by the longtime treaty allies will run up to April 28 and involve more than 17,600 military personnel.

About 12,200 U.S military personnel, 5,400 Filipino forces and 111 Australian counterparts are taking part in the exercises, the largest in Balikatan’s three-decade history. America’s warships, fighter jets as well as its Patriot missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers and anti-tank Javelins, would be showcased, according to U.S. and Philippine military officials.

Philippine military officials said the exercise was aimed at bolstering the country’s coastal defense and was not aimed at any country.