This year’s exercise marked the first collaboration between the 3d LAAB and the 960th Air and Missile Defense Group. The partnership reflects continued efforts to enhance the long-standing defence relationship between the United States and the Philippines.
“The Balikatan 25 Integrated Air and Missile Defense event is a demonstration of not only the Combined Force’s critical defence capabilities, but also the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ability to integrate air control, missile defence, and counter-UAS operations in support of a mutual objective,” said Colonel John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer of 3d MLR. The event showcased joint preparedness and the ability to conduct coordinated air and missile defence operations.
A key highlight of the IAMD event was the U.S. Marines’ demonstration of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), which was added to the 3d LAAB’s Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) Battery in December. Mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, MADIS combines various weapon systems into a single, mobile platform designed to counter low-altitude threats.
The MADIS platform includes machine guns, chain guns, and air-to-air missile launchers, enabling its operators to detect, track, identify, and neutralise different unmanned aerial systems. During the training, this system proved its effectiveness in real-time scenarios, reinforcing its role in modern air defence.
Crucially, MADIS is designed for rapid relocation after completing a mission, supporting the 3d MLR’s Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). This mobility ensures its suitability for dynamic and contested operational environments.
“The IAMD event during Balikatan 25 has been an amazing opportunity for the 3d LAAB team to integrate with and bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ coastal defence,” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sladek, Commanding Officer of 3d LAAB. “I look forward to furthering the partnership between members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 3d Marine Littoral Regiment as we continue to strengthen ties, build interoperability, and improve our collective lethality.”
Participants in this year’s event included U.S. Marines from 3d LAAB’s GBAD Battery and Tactical Air Control Element, Marine Air Control Group 38, U.S. Army units from the 1st Battalion, 51st Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Philippine Airmen from the 960th Air and Missile Defense Group. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal, a guided missile frigate, also took part.
Key weapon systems showcased included the U.S. Marines’ MADIS and AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), the U.S. Army’s AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, and the Philippine Air Force’s SPYDER-MR missile system. The integration of these platforms in a joint live-fire range highlighted the combined forces’ tactical capability.
“The confluence of multiple surface-to-air weapon systems into a single, integrated live-fire range is the definition of ‘ironclad alliance,’” Col. Lehane added. “Helping to ensure the territorial integrity of the Philippines is 3d MLR’s number one priority while we exercise alongside our AFP partners during Balikatan. We are not here to be the Armed Force of the Philippines’ first line of defence. We are here to bolster the AFP’s already strong and capable front lines.”
Now in its 40th iteration, Exercise Balikatan continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S.-Philippine military cooperation. Taking place across the Philippines from 21 April to 9 May, the exercise reinforces commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and supports a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
