The two-day maritime drills by the United States Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will focus on search and rescue, and will not be “a show of force.”
PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo, in an ABS-CBN News report said the search and rescue exercise (SAREX) was not meant to intimidate other countries, especially China.
The PCG’s main functions include safety and humanitarian assistance, he added.
“This is a normal task of the PCG, and we would do the same with other countries. Even China and Japan did it before. As long as it’s SAREX, it will not spark any issue with countries involved in the WPS,” Balilo, quoted by the report said.
The exercise, which will be conducted in the West Philippine Sea near Zambales on Sept. 2 and 3, aims to enhance the interoperability of Manila and its longtime defense ally Washington.
Around 250 personnel from the US Coast Guard and 150 from the PCG will participate in the drills.
The USCG will be represented by its vessel Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757), while the PCG will deploy vessels BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), and Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) meanwhile is looking to expand its participation in the next iteration of the Australia-led “Pitch Black” multi-national air exercise in 2024 with the possible deployment of its Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH light jet fighters.
“The PAF aims to have a more extensive participation in the next iteration of Exercise Pitch Black in 2024 by projecting the involvement of its FA-50 light combat aircraft,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement Thursday night.
The South Korean-made jet aircraft, of which 12 were acquired from 2015 to 2017, is considered the PAF’s premier air combat aircraft and is used extensively for air defense, attack, and other support missions.
Only PAF officers with backgrounds in air battle management and planning joined “Exercise Pitch Black 2022” (PBK22) in Australia’s northern city of Darwin which started on Aug. 19 and will run until Sept. 8.
These personnel are from the PAF’s 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (ACWW) of the Air Defense Command.
“The Commanding General, PAF, Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony D. Canlas Sr., and the Commander, Air Defense Command, Maj. Gen. Augustine S.
Malinit, are expected to take part and observe in the last week of the exercise where PAF air battle managers of the 580th ACWW of the Air Defense Command are taking lead and support roles in the conduct of the exercise scenarios,” Castillo added.
The exercise is hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force.
At least 15 countries, around 100 fighter and support aircraft, and approximately 2,500 personnel from Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, and the host nation, Australia, are taking part in the exercise.
“Exercise Pitch Black” is a biennial event and is considered the most significant tactical air activity conducted in the region. It focuses on large force employment and covers the complex management of air operations.
Participating air forces aim to enhance their capabilities in Air Campaign Planning and Air Battle Management.
“Exercise Pitch Black, other than its focus on evaluating international air forces’ planning and execution of large force employment, offensive counter air, and air interdiction scenarios in a complex environment, further aims to enhance regional security through multi-national interoperability. This presents PAF opportunities to strengthen its relationship and cooperation with other Air Forces,” Castillo said.