PA, PAF begin 4th joint interoperability exercise in Catanduanes, Legazpi

The Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) have commenced their 4th joint interoperability exercise, a week-long drill designed to boost coordination and operational readiness between the two branches.

Approximately 944 Army personnel and 248 Air Force members are participating in the exercise, which will be conducted in Catanduanes Island and Barangay San Francisco, Legazpi City.

The drill, set to conclude on Sept. 26, will evaluate the Armed Forces' capacity for joint and combined arms operations, featuring activities like military free fall infiltration, sling load operations, gap crossing by combat engineers, and field treatment unit operations.

This included a simulated island infiltration through a military free-fall exercise in Catanduanes, showcasing specialized tactical parachuting for elite Army forces.

It also includes joint inter-agency search and rescue missions, cyber defense exercises, and electronic warfare operations to enhance synergy between ground and air units.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that both forces are committed to building a joint defense posture that safeguards the nation through enhanced operational coordination and communication.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete added that the exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate and improve the two major services' ability to conduct joint air and ground missions in support of external security operations.

This exercise aligns with the Army Commanding General's emphasis on continuous training for the holistic development of soldiers.