The Philippine Air Force (PAF), together with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) of the U.S., conducted a joint integration exercise featuring their fighter jets and airlift aircraft at Basa Air Base in Pampanga last Friday, August 9.
The joint exercise, dubbed Iron Blade, involved two PAF FA-50 fighter aircraft, two US Air Force F-22 fighters, and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft that conducted formation flights from Basa Air Base to Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.
Personnel from the two air forces also conducted Subject Matter Expert Exchanges in Pampanga, focusing on flight operations and maintenance, while cargo-related exchanges were also held in Mactan.
The PAF said Iron Blade is part of PACAF’s redeployment activities after their participation in the Pitch Black Exercise in Australia, where they stopped over in the Philippines before heading home to Kadena Air Base in Japan.
Aside from the two F-22s and the C-130 aircraft, the USAF contingent had four other F-22s and two C-130s that took part in the Pitch Black Exercise and also stopped over at Basa Air Base.
The PAF also stated in a press release that the exercise “underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States and their commitment to regional security and stability.”
