PAF, US PACAF conduct joint air drills over West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) conducted joint air drills, including air intercept training and air patrols, over the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

This exercise, involving three PAF FA-50 aircraft and two US B-1 bomber aircraft, is the first bilateral air drill between Manila and Washington under the current US administration.

Key activities included bilateral air patrols, air intercept training, and photo exercises to enhance interoperability and air domain awareness over contested features including Bajo de Masinloc.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo emphasized the exercise is a crucial step in enhancing interoperability and supporting shared bilateral air objectives, noting there was no bombing exercise.

The cooperative effort falls under the framework of the Mutual Defense Board - Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) activities.