The joint patrols conducted by the Philippines and the United States

The recent joint Philippine-US air patrol over the West Philippine Sea, which included a long-range heavy bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was conducted with the aim of safeguarding national interests and territory, according to the military.

Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, the public affairs office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), emphasized the operation’s purpose in enhancing both armed forces’ interoperability and bolstering the capabilities of the air force to fulfill its mandate of protecting territory, sovereign rights, and national interests.

The joint air patrol, which involved three Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jets and a B-52H heavy bomber from the US Indo-Pacific Command, marked the third iteration of the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the two nations. The patrol commenced west of Ilocos Sur and concluded over the Mindoro Strait.

Trinidad underscored that the MCA signifies the commitment of both armed forces to improving interoperability and advancing regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. He further emphasized that it enhances the AFP’s capability to maintain presence over the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the PAF public affairs office chief, clarified that the MCA was not targeted at any specific country, including China. She highlighted the commitment of the Philippine Air Force to enhance operational jointness and interoperability with allies while promoting regional security and stability.

Trinidad reiterated that the joint operation was the third of its kind and that the two nations had recently completed three joint sails under the MCA.

Earlier in the month, the AFP and US forces conducted a joint air patrol involving an AW109 helicopter from the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and an MH-60S Sea Hawk from USS Gabrielle Giffords.

News: The joint patrols conducted by the Philippines and the United States