Philippine and U.S. Armies Strengthen Interoperability Through Bilateral Training with Unmanned Aircraft Systems

02 April 2025

From Sgt. Daria Jackson, 204th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 5th and 7th Infantry Division and U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division engaged in a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) focusing on Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) and Medium-Range Reconnaissance (MRR) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 26, 2025.

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Philippine Army Soldiers from the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions and U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, participate in a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) focused on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations during Salaknib 2025 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, on March 26, 2025. Salaknib 2025 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daria Jackson, 204th Public Affairs Detachment)

As part of the exchange, both forces trained with the Anduril Ghost-X, an advanced autonomous drone designed for tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence. The Ghost-X enhances real-time situational awareness by providing high-resolution imagery and autonomous flight capabilities, making it a key tool in modern military operations.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Catanesi, a platoon sergeant for robotics and autonomous systems assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of tactical drone operations in modern warfare.

“Today's exchange focused on employing UAS systems and how they contribute to the information collection matrix, helping us establish a common operational picture,” said Catanasi.

Tactical drone operations have become a crucial component of modern warfare, providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that enhance battlefield awareness and decision-making. These advanced drones can operate autonomously, navigate complex environments, and relay high-resolution imagery, giving commanders an edge in both offensive and defensive operations.

The training allows both forces to enhance their tactical reconnaissance skills while refining methods for real-time intelligence gathering. Catanesi noted that Philippine soldiers provided strong expertise in battlefield information preparation, their approaches closely mirrored U.S. approaches in adapting to emerging technologies.

For junior enlisted Soldiers, hands-on training with the Ghost-X provided valuable experience. “Our guys have been the unsung heroes of this transformation,” said Catanesi. “They’ve been at the forefront of experimenting with these new systems, mastering them, and now teaching our allied partners.”

Through exercises and SMEEs we continue to strengthen the partnership between the Philippine Army and the U.S. Army, ensuring both nations remain ready to respond to emerging threats with cutting-edge technology and shared expertise.
The exchange also provided insight into how each military approaches problem-solving and technological advancements. “ We are never satisfied with the status quo,” Catanese explained. “As partners we are always refining our tactics, questioning methods, and looking for better solutions.”

For Catanesi, the experience of training in the Philippines held personal significance. “I love it here,” he said. “There’s a deep history between U.S. soldiers and the Philippine soldiers. Now it’s my turn to contribute.”

Salaknib 25 continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering military cooperation, enhancing tactical capabilities, and building lasting professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces.