Photo credit: Philippine Air Force

The skies over the West Philippine Sea just got a little busier. On February 4, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) took to the air for a joint Air Patrol and Air Intercept Training exercise within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This high-level training wasn’t just for show—it was all about sharpening coordination, boosting air domain awareness, and fine-tuning agile combat employment skills between the two allied forces. The PAF sent up three FA-50 fighter jets, while the U.S. PACAF brought in two B-1 bombers to join the action.

The exercise was a strategic move to ensure both air forces are always mission-ready, refining their tactical and operational playbooks to meet shared air defense objectives. Beyond that, it sent a strong message: the Philippines and the U.S. remain committed to upholding regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

With exercises like this, the PAF and PACAF continue to strengthen their long-standing partnership—proving that when it comes to defending the skies, teamwork makes the dream work!