The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Army (PA) formally kicked off their Interoperability Exercise (IOX) in Gamu, Isabela, on Monday.
According to PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, combat readiness, and operational efficiency between the two services.
“It serves as a platform to evaluate and refine joint tactics, techniques, and procedures, while also strengthening collaboration between the PAF and PA, particularly in air-to-ground communication and coordination,” she explained.
Brigadier General Eric Gachalian, the Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon, presided over the event and urged participants to focus on enhancing joint operations and to commit fully throughout the exercise.
“As we face evolving global challenges, our combined strength, resilience, and dedication are crucial to meet current and future demands. By collaborating and sharing our expertise, we ensure that our troops remain at the forefront of operational readiness, ready to defend our nation and sustain peace,” Gachalian emphasized.
Hosted by the Philippine Air Force, this year’s IOX involves 1,100 Army personnel and 351 PAF personnel participating in training from October 7-11 across multiple locations, including Gamu, Isabela, and Rizal, Kalinga.
The exercise will encompass a Command Post Exercise (BSE), Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).
During the Command Post Exercise, participants will develop and assess various operational courses of action; the most effective strategy will be tested in the Field Training Exercise.
The SMEEs will concentrate on key aspects of joint operations between the PAF and PA which include planning, intelligence, coordination, air support, insertion methods, UAV usage, communication, medical evacuation, logistics, and security.
The Field Training Exercise at the Santor Military Reservation in Rizal, Kalinga, scheduled for October 10, will operationalize the strategies developed during the BSE while incorporating lessons learned from the SMEEs.
PAF reservists will also participate in the SMEEs, practical exercises, and FTX.
