Marking a significant step in Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will actively participate in Exercise BALIKATAN, an annual military exercise in the Philippines, from April 20 to May 8, 2026. Led by the United States and the Philippines, Exercise BALIKATAN will involve a broad range of CAF personnel and capabilities, including contributions from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, the CAF Cyber Command, and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. While in previous years the CAF participated as observers, this year, Canadian personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder with partners in areas such as air and missile defence, coastal defence, logistics and sustainment, medical support, maritime strike operations, and multinational coordination. CAF participation in Exercise BALIKATAN is part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s contribution to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise is designed to strengthen long-standing partnerships with like-minded nations, enhance combined military capability, and reinforce a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
Quick Facts
Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, reflecting the spirit of partnership and collective defence that the exercise is designed to strengthen.
CAF participation in Exercise BALIKATAN this year includes:
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown and its embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter; Members of: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI); CAF Cyber Command; Canadian Forces Health Services Group; Canadian Forces Military Police Group; and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 240 Royal Canadian Navy sailors, and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators who operate and support the ship’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.
3 PPCLI, based in Edmonton, Alberta, is part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Its soldiers are trained to deploy by parachute, helicopter, vehicle, boat, or on foot, and operate effectively in diverse environments, including urban and mountainous terrain.
CAF Cyber Command leads all CAF cyber operations, joint electronic warfare, and signals intelligence activities that protect military operations at home and abroad across digital and electromagnetic domains.
Canadian Forces Health Services Group provides health services across Canada and overseas to Canadian military personnel and to any other populations as directed by the Minister of National Defence.
The Canadian Forces Military Police Group provides 24/7 professional police, security and operational support to the CAF globally, across the full spectrum of military operations.
The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command is a high-readiness organization able to deploy agile special operations forces on short notice to protect Canadians from threats at home and abroad.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Canada’s Department of National Defence.
