On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the skies over the West Philippine Sea became the stage for a significant military collaboration between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Three FA-50PH jet fighters from the PAF joined forces with two B-1 ‘Lancer’ bombers from the US to conduct a series of joint air patrols, air intercept training, and photo exercises. This event, occurring within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, was part of the regular training activities under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board framework between the two nations.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo emphasized the importance of these exercises in enhancing interoperability, improving air domain awareness, and supporting shared bilateral air objectives. The exercises took place in the Intensive Military Training Area (IMTA), which includes Bajo de Masinloc, a part of Philippine territory. The aircraft were set to rendezvous off the west coast of the Philippines, with the US bombers not landing in the country but joining from another location.
Castillo confirmed that the drills were underway by noon and would continue into the afternoon. She also noted that the specific details of the location and timing were withheld for security reasons. Importantly, she clarified that these exercises were unrelated to recent regional tensions and were part of the scheduled activities for the year.
No Chinese aircraft or radio challenges were detected during the exercise, ensuring a smooth operation focused on military training and cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.