AFP steps up regional security role as PAF holds air patrols with US, PN joins India fleet review

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expanded its regional defense footprint as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Navy (PN) carried out separate but strategic activities with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, military officials said on Sunday, Feb. 8. The PAF conducted high-profile bilateral bomber air patrol and live drop exercise with the United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF) from Feb. 2 to 6. The activities took place at multiple locations including Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac City and airspace over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Luzon Strait. The exercise was supported by the Special Operations Command Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the PAF deployed its FA-50PH fighter aircraft while the US sent its B-52 bomber aircraft during the exercises. The drills focused on airspace coordination, command-and-control integration, and joint operational response, she noted. “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,” she said. **media[77645]** Meanwhile, at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City, the PN sent off its contingent for its first-ever participation in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the Multilateral...