Ang Pahayagan

NUEVA ECIJA — The Philippine Army’s Artillery Regiment and United States military forces demonstrated enhanced tactical coordination and firepower capabilities during a successful High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire exercise, held on June 30, 2025, in Laur, Nueva Ecija, as part of Balikatan Exercise 2025.

Dubbed “Operation Lightning Strike,” the bilateral drill featured the deployment of four HIMARS units by U.S. forces and focused on synchronized “scoot and shoot” maneuvers—deploying, reloading, and launching precision-guided rockets with speed and efficiency. A total of 21 blank rounds were fired during the exercise, simulating long-range strikes across a secured mountainous training area over 10 kilometers away.

The exercise aimed to improve interoperability, strengthen fire support coordination, and integrate modern weapon systems into joint operations, reflecting the growing complexity and modernization of the Philippine Army’s artillery capabilities.

“This strengthens our fire support capabilities and operational synchronization,” said Brig. Gen. Hubert Acierto, Commander of the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment.

“It ultimately enhances our ability to respond swiftly across diverse operational settings. This success is the result of dedicated teamwork and shared commitment.”

The HIMARS platform—known for its mobility, accuracy, and rapid deployment—represents a vital step in advancing the Philippine Army’s readiness amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint training exercise demonstrated how Philippine forces are adapting to high-tech systems, enabling them to deliver devastating strikes in minimal time with pinpoint accuracy.

“What we’d like to do with HIMARS is strengthen the partnership,” said Lt. Col. Alex Mullin, Multi-Domain Task Force Commander of the U.S. Army. “We’re continuing to do joint exercises with the Philippine Army, including more complex live-fire events. We’re already planning additional drills this year and into the next, incorporating new training elements and different forms of ammunition.”

Beyond the live-fire drill, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) were also conducted to facilitate knowledge-sharing, operational planning, and advanced training between U.S. and Philippine units—further solidifying military-to-military cooperation.

📸Acting Vice Commander, Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Jovencio F. Gonzales, Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Pedro C. Balisi Jr., U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) 25th Infantry Division Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Jonathan A. Velishka, and participating PA and USARPAC troops gather for a group photo at the culmination of Operation Spartan Strike in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Operation Lightning Strike is one of several high-profile activities under Balikatan 2025 (meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder”), the long-standing annual joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States. This year’s edition places a strong focus on interoperability, modernization, and regional defense preparedness in the face of emerging threats.

As the Philippine Army continues its path toward modernization, its partnership with U.S. forces remains a cornerstone of operational readiness and strategic security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. (Jason de Asis)

TOP📸Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) troops test fire two units of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during “Operation Spartan Strike” live-fire exercise at the Canantong Fire Base, Laur, Nueva Ecija on June 30, 2025.

📸Philippine Army photos