ADF send Darwin troops to Exercise Balikatan 2025

Hundreds of Darwin soldiers have joined a 15,000-man fighting force in Asia where they are sharpening their battle abilities.

ADF soldiers on the tarmac at RAAF Base Darwin ready to join to Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines. Picture: Supplied.

Hundreds of Darwin soldiers have joined their US Marine counterparts in Asia where they are sharpening their fighting abilities to prepare for “real-world challenges”,.

This week, soldiers from Darwin’s 5th/7th Battalion landed in the province of Palawan, Philippines, to take part in Exercise Balikatan which runs from April 21 to May 9.

Made up predominantly of 5th/7th Diggers, about 260 Aussies will join the fray.

“This year our contribution includes land forces, mostly drawn from Darwin’s 5th/7th Battalion, (as well as) medics, engineers, tactical air force components and command and support personnel,” Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Walker said.

“Our forces will benefit immensely from operating with our Philippine and US partners in diverse environments, preparing us to meet real-world challenges together.”

In addition to conventional forces, it has been revealed by the Department of Defence that special forces soldiers and Royal Australian Air Force personnel, tasked with integrating air and missile defence, have also been dispatched to Palawan.

Up to 15,000 troops are expected to participated in the exercise. Picture: Supplied.

Altogether, it is estimated up to 15,000 troops have been assembled for the activity.

Other nations attending the exercise, strictly in the capacity of an observer, includes Japan, the UK, France, and Canada.

Other observers, who will be witnessing the event for the first, includes Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands.

It is understood the first major event of the exercise will test ADF, US and Filipino troops in their ability to defend a beach landing against a simulated adversary.

The second phase of the exercise will involve Australian and Philippine troops executing aerial insertions, using US Ospreys, on key beaches and high ground across southern Palawan.

Philippines military chief Romeo Brawner, left, fixes his patch after the opening ceremony of the exercise. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Marine Rotation Force – Darwin commander Colonel Jason C. Armas highlighted the importance of the trio training together.

“Our participation in Balikatan alongside our Philippine and Australian counterparts reflects the very essence of why MRF-D exists — to be forward, integrated and ready as a stand-in force,” he said.

“Together, we’re sharpening our ability to respond to crises, strengthen regional partnerships and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Capitalising on the large-scale training range, the host nation has decided to weave in several high-value assets, with the a 105mm howitzers and Philippine air force Super Tucano.

From the US, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) has also been brought to the island for a scheduled a live-fire.

The US will test a HIMARS asset (pictured) during the exercise.

While training is the focus for troops on the ground, however, Filipino commander Brigadier General Antonio Mangoroban said the occasion was “more than just a military exercise”.

“It is a reaffirmation of our enduring alliance and shared commitment to regional stability,” he said.

“Through combined operations and shared learning, we enhance our collective readiness to protect our people, our sovereignty and our region.”

2025 marks the 40th iteration of Balikatan, which is the largest bilateral training activity between the US and Philippines.

The ADF has been participating in the mammoth exercise since 2014.