Philippines, Japan ground forces hold live-fire drills in Tarlac

Philippine and Japanese armor vehicle joined forces for the first time in more than 80 years in a live-fire exercises at an air base in Tarlac.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Maneuver Combat Vehicle fires at a target during the first-ever Philippine Army-Japan Ground Self Defense Force combined live fire exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac on May 1 to May 2, 2026. Photo from Philippine Army.

CAPAS, TARLAC — Philippine and Japanese armor vehicle joined forces for the first time in more than 80 years in a live-fire exercises at an air base in Tarlac.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala, an Army spokesman, said the drills were part of the two ground forces exercises, called Salaknib.

More than 200 Philippine Army troops from the 1st Tank Battalion took part in the drills and around 40 troops from the Japanese Recon Combat Battalion, 12th Brigade.

Four Sabra light tanks from the Philippines and four Maneuver Combat Vehicles from Japan fired several rounds of cannons from the armored vehicles.

“The live fire exercise was followed by a tactical scenario that included locating the enemy, fixing their position, and ultimately destroying the target,” Dema-ala said.

Troops also rehearsed safety protocols, including troubleshooting procedures in the event of a misfire or weapon malfunction with appropriate corrective actions taken to ensure operational safety and mission continuity, he added.

Dema-ala said Salaknib 2026 directly supported the Army’s active transition to External Security Operations by focusing on combined operations with the US Army Pacific and partner armies.

The second phase of Salaknib Phase will start next week until June 2026 immediately after the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan on May 8. (JMR)