CAFCYBERCOM on the cyber front lines at Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26

May 22, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:50

By Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Indo-Pacific

Canadian cyber operators were on the front lines of a different kind of battlefield in the Philippines this spring. As part of Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26, two Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) representatives worked alongside international partners and allies to defend networks, test resilience, and sharpen skills in a complex digital environment.

Held from April 20 to May 8 in Manila, Exercise BALIKATAN was led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces. This year marked a shift for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), moving from observer status to active participation across multiple domains. Cyber was a key part of that effort under the exercise's Cyber Defense Exercise, known as CYDEX, a simulated cyber environment designed for training that does not involve real-world operations.

Lieutenant (Navy) Shaun-RossWoon-Jamieson led a multinational systems administration team responsible for maintaining the cyber range that underpinned the exercise. Working with American, Canadian, and Filipino personnel, his team ensured the environment stayed operational for all participants.

"The experience has been incredibly valuable," he said. "Leading a multinational team has given me a firsthand look at how different nations approach systems administration and cyber range operations. There is a lot to learn from those differences."

His team monitored system health, resolved technical issues, and coordinated closely with exercise control staff to keep operations running smoothly. This kind of work often goes unseen but is essential to mission success.

Sailor First Class Austin Meyer, embedded in a defensive cyber role, worked with partners from France and the Philippines to protect critical systems. Their focus included both Information Technology networks and industrial control systems, such as water and power infrastructure.

"It's a great opportunity to gain diverse perspectives on cybersecurity," Meyer said. "There's a strong culture of sharing ideas and experiences, which I can bring back to my team in Canada."

Daily tasks included scanning networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and detecting potential threats. The work was collaborative and fast paced, requiring constant communication across national lines.

Both members brought prior international experience, including exercises with United States Cyber Command and partner nations, but Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26 offered a broader, more integrated setting.

CAF participation fell under Operation HORIZON, Canada's contribution to supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. For CAFCYBERCOM, CYDEX highlighted the growing importance of cyber interoperability among allies.

Together with partners including Australia, France, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and the United States, Canadian cyber operators helped shape a more secure digital domain, one network at a time.