25th Infantry Division and multinational allies launch JPMRC-X in the Philippines as part of Salaknib 2026

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division has launched the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and allied forces, marking the second phase of the bilateral Exercise Salaknib. The training rotation runs May 8–20, 2026, and brings a combat training center experience into the Indo-Pacific, tailored for the complex, archipelagic environments where participating forces operate.

“Our alliance with the Philippines is steeped in history for over 75 years as the oldest treaty ally,” said New Zealand Army Col. Aidan Shattock, deputy commanding general for interoperability of the 25th Infantry Division. “This is playing out with deep trust and understanding as we rehearse together during Operation Pathways.”

The 25th Infantry Division is set to conduct multi-domain operations designed to sharpen tactical proficiency and deepen interoperability with partners across demanding terrain. The iteration underscores the division’s role in Army modernization, with units employing human-centered technologies and integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to expand situational awareness. The fielding of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons—the M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle—will also advance squad-level effectiveness during the rotation.

“Exercises like JPMRC-X demonstrate our enduring commitment as the land partner of choice, strengthen our allies, and deter aggression together,” Shattock added.

Beyond bilateral training with the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division, the exercise includes participation from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The multinational lineup highlights a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and a united approach to regional security.

All activities are being conducted in coordination with the Philippine government and local officials to prioritize the safety of civilian communities and to reinforce the U.S.-Philippine partnership.

As Part II of Salaknib, JPMRC-X extends a long-running effort to build readiness and interoperability through combined arms training, multi-domain integration, and humanitarian assistance activities, with an eye toward regional stability.

The 25th Infantry Division, known as “Tropic Lightning” and based in Hawaii, supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as a highly trained, combat-credible force prepared to deploy and conduct decisive operations across the region. The division emphasizes strengthening ties with allies and partners to help ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.