The Philippine Air Force (PAF), together with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), conducted a Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise from February 2 to 6, 2026, at multiple locations, including Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB), Tarlac City, and over the West Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait, with support from the Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC).
The bilateral engagement featured a series of coordinated air activities aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and U.S. forces. On February 2, 2026, the PAF and PACAF conducted a Live Drop Exercise at CERAB, involving PAF FA-50PH fighter aircraft and U.S. B-52 bomber aircraft, supported by joint planning and coordination elements from SOCPAC and MARFORPAC.
The exercise continued with an Air Defense scenario on February 4 over the West Philippine Sea, focusing on airspace coordination, command-and-control integration, and joint operational response. On February 6, the activity culminated in a Joint Bomber Air Patrol over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, highlighting combined mission planning, airspace coordination, and operational readiness among PAF, PACAF, and supporting U.S. forces.
These activities enhanced bilateral interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation through joint planning, coordination, and execution in a realistic training environment. Through these combined air activities and multi-domain support, the PAF continued to strengthen defense partnerships and reinforce its capability to safeguard national airspace and uphold sovereignty. (PR)
