PAF, US PACAF conduct joint drills over West Philippine Sea

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces conducted joint exercises over the West Philippine Sea.

The PAF spokesperson, Col. Maria Consuelo Padilla, stated that these drills aim to enhance interoperability, improve air domain awareness, and support bilateral objectives between the Philippines and the United States.

Three FA-50PH jet fighter aircraft from the PAF and two B-1 'Lancer' bombers from PACAF participated in a one-day exercise starting at noon, focusing on joint bomber patrols and air intercept training.

The participating aircraft met off the western coast of the Philippines within the Intensive Military Training Area (IMTA), including part of the contested Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone but claimed by China as well.

Padilla emphasized that these activities are regular training exercises under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board framework and have no connection to recent tensions in the area, though she acknowledged potential challenges from foreign aircraft during the exercise.