Philippine Army, US Army troops conduct Salaknib air assault exercise

Troops from Aviation Regiment, Philippine Army and their counterparts from the U.S. Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade executed an air assault maneuver as part of the ongoing Salaknib Phase 2’s Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on June 1, 2024.

It can be noted that the annual Exercise Salaknib has transitioned from a platoon-level exercise in 2014 to a division-level exercise composed of two (2) phases in the 2023 and 2024 iterations in line with the Salaknib Five-Year Roadmap which is highlighted by a Full-Battle Test in 2025. The annual combined exercise aims to increase interoperability of PA and USARPAC forces in support of the territorial defense of the Philippines.

Moreover, the said exercise familiarizes Philippine Army troops with the hi-tech weaponry of the U.S. Army employed in a tropical setting.

Salaknib, which means “shield” in Ilocano, reflects the historical bond between the two nations dating back to World War II, when Filipino and American troops fought side by side to defend freedom and democracy. Photos from the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office