PAF, US counterpart train on AIM-9 missile launchers

From the Manila Bulletin (May 8, 2023): PAF, US counterpart train on AIM-9 missile launchers (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

AT A GLANCE

• The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) recently trained together on maintaining AIM-9 missile launchers as part of Cope Thunder 23-1 Exercise.
• The AIM-9, also known as Sidewinder, is an American short-range air-to-air missile that is fitted with the PAF’s FA-50 supersonic jets.
• American experts discussed with technical experts from PAF their best practices in maintaining AIM-9 missile launchers during a series of subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) at the Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base in Pampanga on May 4 to 5.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) recently trained together on maintaining AIM-9 missile launchers as part of the ongoing Cope Thunder 23-1 Exercise.



(Maintenance officers, technicians, and specialists from the Philippine Air Force and United States Pacific Air Forces discuss during a subject matter expert exchange on AIM-9 missile launcher maintenance. Photo courtesy of PAF)

The AIM-9, also known as Sidewinder, is an American short-range air-to-air missile that is fitted with the PAF’s FA-50 supersonic jets.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said American experts discussed with technical experts from PAF their best practices in maintaining AIM-9 missile launchers during a series of subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) at the Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base in Pampanga on May 4 to 5.

“The objective of the SMEEs is to enhance the knowledge of our mission planners, communications operators, and maintenance officers and personnel in the performance of their roles in various operations necessary for mission accomplishment,” Castillo said on Monday, May 8.

The participants included the PAF’s 5th Fighter Wing and USAF’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

Aside from AIM-9 maintenance, the participants also talked about a wide array of topics such as “mission planning cell (MPC) operations, communication security (COMSEC) organization, and dedicated crew chief (DCC) program.”

The 5th Fighter Wing also engaged in defensive counter air training with their American counterparts “to enhance interoperability between forces and safeguard critical and protected assets in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the PAF and US PACAF will also conduct a series of joint operations and training exercises at Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base on Tuesday, May 9.

“At Clark Air Base, there will be a joint pre-flight briefing and actual flight operations exercise which will involve both the FA-50 (PAF) and F-16 aircraft (US PACAF),” Castillo said.

“At Basa Air Base, a Basic Instructor Course and Security Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchanges will also take place,” she added.

The Cope Thunder marks the revival of the bilateral exercise between the two Air Forces after 33 years.

The original Cope Thunder exercises were first held in 1976 and continued annually in the Philippines until 1990 to provide regular flight training for US pilots and allied nations.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/8/paf-us-counterpart-train-on-aim-9-missile-launchers