WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 25, 2025: A joint gunnery exercise between American and Filipino warships was held on April 25, 2025, as part of the ongoing Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) military drills in the West Philippine Sea. The exercise is a key element of this year’s full-battle scale operations. This year’s Balikatan drills feature the launch of advanced missile systems, joint counter-landing operations between U.S. and Filipino forces on islets near Taiwan, maritime strike exercises, as well as a series of live-fire drills, warship maneuvers, and aircraft operations. Japan has also joined the exercises, coordinating with U.S. and Philippine forces across the West Philippine Sea and areas near the South China Sea. The annual exercises come at a time of escalating tensions between Beijing and Manila, as China has intensified its military activities in the contested waters, including using Chinese Coast Guard vessels to slam into Filipino ships. The US and Philippines kicked off their annual military drills in disputed South China Sea on Monday amid ongoing tensions with Beijing. Named the “Super Bowl” of exercises in the region, the three-week “Balikatan," or "shoulder to shoulder," drills are being attended by more than 16,000 troops from both sides, the Philippine News Agency reported. The exercise includes an integrated air and missile defense simulation to be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos. Balikatan 25' is taking place from April 21 to May 9 in Luzon Strait, which lies between Philippine's Luzon island and Taiwan.