CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines – In coordination with US armed forces counterparts, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) held a Simulated Close Air Support (SIMCAS) rehearsal employing its FA-50PH aircraft at Col Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Crow Valley Military Reservation, Capas, Tarlac on April 14 as part of the ongoing Balikatan exercises.
The PAF training flight is in preparation for the joint SIMCAS on April 20, 2021 which will then include US Air Force plane. PACAF personnel on the other were part of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller/Combat Air Controller which primarily directs the action of the combat aircraft and other offensive air operations from a forward position.
“The ongoing exercise enhances the ability of both armed forces to operate together. The joint operations planning exercise which is now on its fourth day provides the opportunity for both service members to share their knowledge and experiences in crises action planning. As these unfold, actual humanitarian and civic assistance operations are in full swing,” BK Exercise Director MGEN EDGARD AREVALO said in a statement.
This year’s exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability of U.S.-Philippine humanitarian aid and relief operations capabilities, rapid response operations during pandemic, counter-terrorism, and subject matter expert exchanges on a wide-range of topics.
