BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS. PAF FA-50 and USAF F-16 jet fighters conduct basic aerial combat maneuver exercises during the Cope Thunder Philippines (CT 24-1) on Thursday (April 11, 2024), over the Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. The BFM refers to tactical maneuvers performed by fighter aircraft during air combat maneuvering to gain a positional advantage over opposing combat planes. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)
MANILA – Fighter aircraft from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) on Thursday conducted "basic fighter maneuvers" (BFM) over the skies of Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga, as part of the two-week Cope Thunder-Philippines (CT PH 24-1).
BFM refers to tactical maneuvers performed by fighter aircraft during air combat maneuvering to gain a positional advantage over opposing combat planes.
"Utilizing the PAF's FA-50 and the USAF's F-16, the forces engaged in flight Integration training, aimed at enhancing pilot capabilities in aerial combat scenarios through tactical maneuvers and techniques," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.
She said the BFM emphasizes collaborative learning and interoperability between the two air forces.
"Pilots engage in defensive and offensive maneuvers, such as basic fighter maneuvers, air combat maneuvers, and tactical intercepts, to sharpen their skills and enhance combat readiness," Castillo said.
This edition of the CT PH 24-1, which runs from April 8 to 19, concentrates on subject matter expert exchanges and field exercises in air and ground operations.
This includes logistics and mission support planning and execution which are necessary in large force deployment. This will prepare the PAF in its anticipated participation in Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia this coming July.
The exercise is part of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board activities for this year.
The CT PH 24-1 is tentatively scheduled to have a second iteration in June. (PNA)
