4-2-2025 (MANILA) The United States and Philippine air forces conducted their first-ever joint patrol mission over the South China Sea on Tuesday, marking a substantial development in the two nations’ defence partnership.
According to Philippine Air Force spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, the landmark operation involved two Philippine FA-50 light combat aircraft flying alongside a pair of American B1-B strategic bombers. The carefully coordinated exercise took place in what Manila officially refers to as the West Philippine Sea, encompassing the portion of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The one-day operation represents a notable escalation in joint military activities between the long-standing allies, coming amid growing regional tensions over territorial claims in the strategic waterway. This unprecedented patrol follows a series of diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening the US-Philippine military alliance.
