PAF stages mock retaking of enemy base on PH soil
FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) simulated the retaking of an enemy-occupied military base in the country using all its main air assets during its 77th anniversary program attended by President Marcos on Monday.
The drills were held at the upgraded airstrip funded by the United States under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement at Basa Air Base, the home of the PAF’s fighter planes.
Based on the scenario, the supposed “enemy” established command and control within the Philippines’ 12-nautical- mile boundary and the PAF had to participate in Manila’s joint operations to take it back “to regain air superiority.”
The PAF demonstrated its capability to do bomb runs, neutralize enemy aircraft and conduct rapid infiltration using its military aircraft. It also used a guided precision aerial delivery system and ground based air defense system to detect and destroy short to medium-range aerial threats.
The PAF did not say whether the drills were aimed at any specific country, but nonetheless reflect its concerns about China’s behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
Ready to respond
“In amid of an ever evolving security landscape, when trespassing aggressors are denying us our right to our own territory, threatening our ships and harming our soldiers, we are ready to respond swiftly with courage and firm resolve in defense of our sovereignty, in honor of our flag,” PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño said in his speech.
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping its claims with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Beijing continues to ignore the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims.
Just recently, a Filipino sailor lost his finger during the latest confrontation with Chinese vessels during a resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Mr. Marcos, who was the guest speaker, vowed his administration’s continued support to enhance the PAF’s capability development to bolster the country’s international defense, citing the purchase of additional aircraft and communications systems for cyberwarfare and upgrading air bases.
“Indeed, these assets contribute to an agile Air Force—capable of protecting our nation, our people and our resources; and dedicated to ensure that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed and force,” he said.
Aside from the PAF’s capability demonstration, two FA-50PH light fighter jets performed a high-speed opener pass to officially start the program and a formation flight of T-41 and SF-260 aircraft formed the number “77,” symbolizing the years of service of the PAF.
The PAF also paraded its most modern equipment such as GBADS, Mobile Air Surveillance Radar and V150 Armored Vehicles. —WITH A REPORT FROM MELVIN GASCON
