PAF can deploy jets to support maritime patrols in WPS

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) stated on Tuesday it can deploy its fixed-wing assets, such as FA-50PH light jet fighters and A-29B 'Super Tucano' attack aircraft, to support civilian maritime patrol planes operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo noted that any deployment would depend on guidance from higher authorities due to logistical considerations.

On February 18, a Chinese military helicopter reportedly approached a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft as close as three meters during a maritime domain awareness flight over Bajo de Masinloc.

The PAF spokesperson earlier said the maneuvers were unsafe and extremely dangerous.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reported no interference from Chinese forces during recent maritime cooperative activities with France in WPS waters.

Tensions remain high in the South China Sea, with Beijing claiming nearly all of it and overlapping claims from other nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The West Philippine Sea encompasses maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including waters around the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc, reinforcing Manila's territorial claim.