Philippine Air Force conducts drills in Australia amid South China Sea tensions

Four Philippine FA-50 fighter jets and 162 personnel are participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia's Northern Territory, which involves 20 nations and 140 aircraft.

A Philippine Air Force FA-50PH pilot holds the Australian flag after arriving at RAAF Base Darwin, ahead of Exercise Pitch Black, in Australia, July 10, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

“This is the first time they have deployed combat aircraft overseas since 1963, and it is a great honour for Australia to be chosen as the first location for this deployment,” said Colonel Pete Robinson, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The Northern Territory offers a “huge airspace” to enhance capabilities ranging from combat to using radar and missile systems to attack enemies beyond visual range, he added.

Philippine fighter jets will coordinate with other air forces to tackle complex problems against simulated adversaries and ground-based threats.

Amid tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines is working to improve its defense capabilities.

The Philippines is trying to improve its defense capabilities, said Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The Philippine military is looking to modernize its aging hardware and plans to buy long-range multirole fighters.

The Philippines recently signed agreements with Australia and Japan to allow troops to move through each other's territory, demonstrating its desire to build regional defense ties.

Last April, Australia, Japan, the United States and the Philippines held a naval exercise in the South China Sea to enhance interoperability and maintain peace and stability in the region.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/khong-quan-philippines-tham-gia-tap-tran-da-quoc-gia-tai-uc-post303022.html