Pilots and crew of the Philippine Air Force’s A29B Super Tucano, Philippine Navy’s BNI2A and Australian Defence Force's P-8 Poseidon Maritime Surveillance aircraft (Photo courtesy of Western Command)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) performed a joint air patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the weekend, part of the two countries’ inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity.
The Philippine Air Force's A29B Super Tucano and N-22 Nomad, Philippine Navy's BNI2A aircraft, and ADF's P-8 Poseidon Maritime Surveillance aircraft took part in the activity.
The aircrafts took off from the Antonio Bautista Air Base ramp in the City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
On Saturday, Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Davao Del Sur, and Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba patrolled in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, along with two A29 Super Tucanos.
The AFP-ADF activity aims to enhance maritime interoperability and deepen strategic partnership as signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sept. 8.
“We endeavor to enhance bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness; test doctrines, existing protocols, and enhance efficiency; and foster closer cooperation between our countries' armed forces,” Marcos said during the signing.
“This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that may follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic and defense partnership between our countries.”
In August, the AFP and the ADF held their first amphibious exercise in the city of Darwin under the Indo-Pacific Endeavor activities.
Filipino and Australian troopers also conducted special training for jungle and urban warfare at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal in May as part of the Army-to-Army Exercise “Kasangga” 23-2. (PR/PNA)
