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FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — U.S. Army soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division and the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a three-day operational demonstration of advanced command-and-control systems during Exercise Balikatan 2026, held May 3–5. The effort highlighted data-centric capabilities intended to tighten interoperability, improve battlefield awareness, and accelerate decision-making for the combined force.
Operating in jungle conditions, the units pushed next-generation digital architecture to the tactical edge to validate its resilience, security, and effectiveness across challenging terrain. By linking sensors and effectors on a unified data network, the partners aimed to make the alliance more capable and responsive to regional contingencies.
The demonstration is part of the U.S. Army’s broader transformation effort to integrate and optimize advanced capabilities in real-world settings. It aligned with Balikatan 2026’s focus on building a capable combined force and reinforcing the U.S.-Philippine alliance. The event included a Distinguished Visitor Day on May 4 featuring live-fire integration and a synchronized sensor-to-shooter display.
“This isn’t about testing experimental gear; it’s about refining a fielded capability and proving that our alliance is digitally synchronized for the modern battlefield,” said Col. Daniel VonBenken, 25th Infantry Division Artillery commander.
VonBenken said the technology puts artificial intelligence to work as a decision aid for troops. “While these advanced tools allow our Soldiers to process vast amounts of data to make faster, more precise decisions, commanders retain full authority over any engagement and maintain a decisive information advantage.”
Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military that underscores the strength of the alliance, hones a capable combined force, and signals a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.
