Filipino, Australian pilots take part in air combat maneuvers
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
August 20, 2025, 11:23 am
MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on Tuesday took part in a series of air combat drills using their FA-50PH and EA-18 "Growler" fighter aircraft as part of the ongoing "ALON" 2025.
In a statement Tuesday night, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the participating Filipino and Australian pilots performed "dissimilar air combat tactics" (DACT) and basic fighter maneuvers (BFM) during the activity.
DACT refers to the conduct of advanced maneuvers using different combat aircraft while BFM are tactical maneuvers performed by fighter jets during air combat maneuvering.
"These combined air operations showcased the PAF's advancing air combat proficiency and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing joint interoperability with allies and partners," Castillo said.
The exercises aim to deepen defense cooperation, enhance interoperability and strengthen joint capabilities in addressing shared security challenges in the region.
It also underscores the growing Philippines-Australia strategic partnership, with defense and security as vital pillars.
Exercise "ALON," or Amphibious and Land Operations, is a bilateral training between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force that is conducted within the joint operational areas of AFP's Northern Luzon Command and Western Command.
This year's ALON formally started in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Aug. 15 and will run until Aug. 29. (PNA)
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