FIGHTER and bomber planes from the Philippines and the United States on Tuesday carried out a joint air patrol over the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo announced the operation in a statement sent to reporters on Tuesday.
Castillo said the patrol was part of the ninth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) being conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
For the mission, the PAF deployed three FA-50PH fighter jets, while PACAF flew a Rockwell B-1B “Lancer” strategic bomber, two F-16 “Viper” jets, and an F-18 multi-role fighter.
Specific operational details were withheld for security reasons.
The B-1B “Lancer” is a supersonic strategic bomber capable of speeds up to Mach 1.25, with a crew of four. It boasts a range of 5,100 nautical miles and can carry a combat load of approximately 50,000 pounds.
“This cooperative activity aims to strengthen collaboration and enhance interoperability between the AFP and US forces,” Castillo said.
She added that the patrol underscores the PAF’s commitment to operational readiness, supporting the AFPÂ’s mission to protect the countryÂ’s territory and sovereign rights while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.