In a display of military cooperation, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) conducted a joint air exercise over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Feb. 4. The exercise involved three PAF FA-50PH aircraft and two USAF B-1 supersonic bombers.
According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the exercise included bilateral air patrols, air intercept training, and a photo opportunity. The drills are designed to enhance interoperability, improve air domain awareness and agile combat employment, and support shared bilateral air objectives. The aircraft rendezvoused off the west coast of the Philippines and flew within the Intensive Military Training Area (IMTA), which includes Bajo de Masinloc. The activities took place within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The exercise is part of the regular training activities under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board between the Philippines and the United States. Col. Castillo emphasized that the exercise was pre-planned and not related to recent tensions in the region. No Chinese aircraft or radio challenges were detected during the exercise.
The West Philippine Sea is the official designation by the government of the Philippines for the parts of the South China Sea that are included in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
B-1B bombers from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base are currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam under Bomber Task Force 25-1.
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