US fighter jets, PAF planes hold exercises

MANILA, Philippines — Two F-22 fighter jets and a refueling aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) visited the country earlier this week for a Bilateral Fighter Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) activity with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Air Defense Command chief Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit welcomed the US fighter planes from the Pacific Air Forces.

PAF fighter pilots and other PAF personnel from the 5th Fighter Wing Air Defense Command participated in the Bilateral Fighter SMEE held at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the USAF aircraft were placed on static display for appreciation of PAF commanders and air crew.

On Tuesday, a capability demonstration on air-to-air refueling was conducted before the US aircraft were escorted out of the Philippine air space by three FA-50 aircraft of the PAF.

Castillo said the bilateral exchange focused on the capabilities of the aircraft operated by the two air forces in preparation for other upcoming engagements.

The exercise aims to promote air domain awareness, agile combat employment, interoperability and other bilateral air objectives.