PH, US air forces train in counter-air operations

From the Manila Bulletin (May 5, 2023): PH, US air forces train in counter-air operations (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

AT A GLANCE

• Philippine Air Force (PAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) pilots have worked together to enhance their interoperability in counter-air operations.
• This was part of the fourth day of the Cope Thunder Philippines (CT Ph) Exercise 23-1.
• The PAF’s FA-50PH advanced jet trainers operated by the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 5th Fighter Wing flew over the Luzon mainland with the USAF’s F-16 fighter jets operated by their 14th Fighter Squadron for a series of sorties.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) pilots have worked together to enhance their interoperability in counter-air operations as part of the fourth day of the Cope Thunder Philippines (CT Ph) Exercise 23-1 on Friday, May 5.

(Courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

The PAF’s FA-50PH advanced jet trainers operated by the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 5th Fighter Wing flew over the Luzon mainland with the USAF’s F-16 fighter jets operated by their 14th Fighter Squadron for a series of sorties.

“These missions were designed to enhance training for a wide range of counter-air operations scenarios,” said Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson.

Counter-air operations can be classified as defensive and offensive.

For the first week of Cope Thunder, the PAF and USAF pilots will focus on defensive counter air (DCA) operations which include the identification, tracking, and interception of enemy aircraft in the vicinity of friendly forces.

(Courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

“This joint effort between the two Air Forces allows a comprehensive approach to the exercise, thus, enhancing the pilots’ skills and unit interoperability for future joint operations,” Castillo stated.

The offensive counter-air operations (OCA) will be held during the second phase of the exercise from July 2 to 21. This will entail drills focusing on neutralizing enemy aircraft and ground targets.

The PAF and USAF personnel also conducted a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) on close quarter combat (CQC) operations at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

(Courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

The training was designed to equip participants with the fundamental tactics, techniques, and procedures to conduct team level, structure-based, and dynamic close quarters room combat, Castillo explained.

“The strategy and tactics learned during this training can be utilized by our security forces across multiple spectrums of warfighting especially in compressed hostile environments,” she added.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/5/ph-us-air-forces-train-in-counter-air-operations