Canada Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with the Philippines at Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26

May 14, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:41

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have concluded their inaugural active participation in Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26 (meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog), a major multinational exercise conducted in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8. Moving beyond its previous observer role, Canada trained shoulder to shoulder with allies and partners from Australia, France, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, & the United States, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of Canada's Indo Pacific Strategy.

Led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military, the 41st iteration of Exercise BALIKATAN brought together over 17,000 personnel to strengthen interoperability. CAF participation fell under Operation HORIZON, Canada's ongoing military operation supporting peace and stability in the Indo Pacific region.

Canada's contribution reflected a multi-domain effort. HMCS Charlottetown and its embarked CH 148 Cyclone helicopter took part in multilateral maritime activities, including a lead role in anti-submarine warfare exercises and participation in a joint maritime strike in the West Philippine Sea. On land, soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) trained in demanding jungle environments with allies and partners, culminating in a counter landing live fire exercise on the beaches of northern Luzon province.

"This experience highlighted what the Royal Canadian Navy does best - working with allies and partners to deliver meaningful maritime impact," said Commander Jonathan Maurice, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown.

CAF personnel from Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, Canadian Forces Cyber Command, the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, and the Canadian Forces Military Police Group also played key roles throughout the exercise, contributing to cyber, intelligence, information operations, joint targeting, medical support, and force protection activities.

"Canada's active participation sends a clear signal of our long term commitment to the Indo Pacific," said Lieutenant-Commander Craig Cook, Task Force Commander, "The relationships built and the interoperability gained during Exercise BALIKATAN 41-26 directly enhance our ability to operate with our partners and allies when it matters most."

CAF logisticians and planners worked to synchronize personnel movements, equipment delivery, sustainment, and host nation coordination across multiple locations in the Philippines, forming the backbone of Canada's success on this mission.

As Exercise BALIKATAN 41 26 concludes, Canada's first active role leaves a lasting mark-strengthening partnerships and alliances, and reaffirming the CAF's enduring commitment to stability in the Indo Pacific.