Japan to deploy combat troops for 'biggest' PH-US military drills in 2026

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner, speaking to reporters on March 24, says personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces will participate in various activities under Balikatan 2026, this year's iteration of the largest bilateral military exercise between the Philippines and the United States. It will be the first time for Japanese combat troops to step foot in Philippine soil since World War II. In 2024, the Philippines and Japan signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which made it easier for troops from either country to be deployed to each others' territories for military drills and humanitarian response. | via Bea Cupin/Rappler Updates from Rappler app: https://rplr.co/FrontPage Subscribe: http://rplr.co/RapplerYouTube More videos on Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/video