Philippine and US Air Forces Conduct Joint Air Patrol Over West Philippine Sea

Manila, The Gulf Observer: Fighter and bomber aircraft from the Philippines and the United States conducted a joint air patrol over the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday, further reinforcing the two nations’ defense cooperation and commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region.

In an official statement, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo confirmed the joint operation, which formed part of the ninth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

The PAF deployed three FA-50PH fighter jets for the mission, while the PACAF contributed a formidable air package, including a Rockwell B-1B “Lancer” strategic bomber, two F-16 “Vipers”, and an F-18 multi-role fighter.

No further operational details were disclosed due to security considerations.

The B-1B Lancer, a long-range supersonic bomber, is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.25, with a range of 5,100 nautical miles, and can carry up to 50,000 pounds of combat load. Designed for rapid global mobility and deep-strike missions, the bomber adds significant strategic weight to the patrol.

“This cooperative activity aims to strengthen collaboration and enhance interoperability between the AFP and US forces,” Castillo said, underscoring the deepening security ties between the two allies.

The Philippine Air Force reaffirmed its readiness and commitment to support the AFP’s mission of protecting national territory and sovereign rights, especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The patrol reflects both nations’ shared vision of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific, amid ongoing challenges to maritime security in the region.