Philippines, United States air forces hold drill from Luzon to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) carried out a bilateral integration exercise involving fighter and airlift assets flying to and from Pampanga and Cebu on Friday.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF’s public affairs office chief, said the exercise, dubbed Iron Blade, involved a combined force of two Philippine FA-50PH fighter aircraft, two US Air Force FA-22s, and a US Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

During the activity, the aircraft conducted formation flights between Basa Air Base in Pampanga and Brigadier General Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

Castillo said a photo exercise was also incorporated in the mission aimed at further improving cooperation and interoperability between the PAF and the PACAF.

Apart from the aerial maneuvers, she shared that Subject Matter Expert Exchanges were held in Pampanga focusing on flight operations and maintenance, while cargo-related exchanges took place in Mactan, Cebu.

Castillo said Iron Blade is part of the PACAF’s redeployment activities following their participation in the Pitch Black Exercise in Australia.

The Philippines is one of their stopover points before heading to Kadena Air Base in Japan. The US Air Force contingent has a total of six F-22s and three C-130s participating in the stopover.

Castillo said the latest joint exercise underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States, and their commitment to regional security and stability. — (FREEMAN)