LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — In a powerful display of allied strength, Philippine, American, Japanese, and Canadian forces executed a high-intensity counter-landing live fire exercise on May 4, turning back a simulated enemy amphibious assault on Philippine shores.
The dramatic Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise North (CLLFX-North), a centerpiece of this year’s Exercise Balikatan 41-2026, unfolded at the La Paz Sand Dunes as combined troops rapidly neutralized a mock hostile force attempting to seize a foothold on the coastline.
Led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the operation showcased seamless coordination across land, air, and joint commands. Philippine forces deployed Sabrah light tanks, 25mm gun vehicles, 120mm armored mortars, 105mm artillery, A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, AW109 helicopters, and Hermes drones. U.S. forces brought overwhelming support with HIMARS rocket systems, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, F-16 fighters, and P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Canadian Armed Forces further strengthened the multinational effort. Canadian troops from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, conducted defensive operations at Culili Point using heavy machine guns, small arms, and rockets.
Colonel Dennis Hernandez, Balikatan 41-2026 spokesperson, said the exercise proved the growing capability of Philippine forces to defend the archipelago through a multi-layered, joint approach.
“This Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise demonstrates our readiness to decisively destroy threats before they reach our coastline,” Col. Hernandez stated. “Balikatan continues to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the ironclad Philippines–United States alliance while building a broader network of like-minded partners committed to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.”
The exercise forms part of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and sends a clear message of unity and deterrence in the region.
