The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States (US) Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) flexed their combined airpower this week with a series of live-fire drills and joint bomber patrols over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Luzon Strait, ramping up interoperability and readiness amid evolving regional security challenges.

In a statement Saturday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the five-day Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise, held from 2 to 6 February, brought together Filipino FA-50PH fighter jets and US B-52 strategic bombers in coordinated missions across key locations, including Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Tarlac City and contested waters to the west of Luzon.

The drills began with a Live Drop Exercise at CERAB, where FA-50PHs worked alongside the long-range B-52s in simulated strike operations supported by joint planning teams from the US Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) and Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC).

Aircrews then shifted to an Air Defense scenario over the West Philippine Sea on 4 February, focusing on tighter airspace control, command-and-control coordination, and faster joint responses to potential threats.

The exercise culminated on 6 February with a Joint Bomber Air Patrol, as combined aircraft flew over the WPS and Luzon Strait in a show of integrated mission planning and operational reach.

According to Basco, these aerial engagements were designed to sharpen combat readiness and strengthen coordination between allied forces in realistic, multi-domain conditions.

“These activities enhanced bilateral interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation,” Basco said, adding that the exercises reinforce the country’s ability to safeguard national airspace and uphold sovereignty.

Basco noted the latest air operations underscore Manila and Washington’s deepening defense ties, with both sides increasing joint training and patrols to boost deterrence and maintain stability in the region.

"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.