The Philippine Air Force (PAF) deployed fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and search-and-rescue assets for the 15th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) held from February 23 to 24 over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, underscoring Manila’s push to boost maritime security coordination with allies.
According to the PAF, the air component included two FA-50PH fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a C-208B, and a C-130 transport plane. A Sokol helicopter was placed on standby for search-and-rescue missions.
The activity was conducted alongside counterparts from the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, focusing on aerial patrols, maritime surveillance, and interoperability in a multilateral setting.
The PAF said the coordinated air operations enhanced maritime domain awareness and strengthened joint readiness among participating forces.
The latest MCA forms part of ongoing cooperative efforts aimed at maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” while supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ mandate to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
