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Philstar.com
February 8, 2026 | 11:11am
Two U.S. B-52 bomber aircraft participate in a Live Drop exercise on February 2, 2026, at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Tarlac City.
PAF
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Pacific Air Forces carried out a Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise from Feb. 2 to 6, 2026, spanning air bases in Luzon and airspace over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait.
The Philippines' FA-50PH fighter aircraft and US B-52 bombers conducted a Live Drop Exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac City on February 2. The activity was supported by joint planning and coordination elements from the Special Operations Command Pacific and US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, the PAF said in a statement.
A simulated bomb release from a U.S. B-52 aircraft at the the Live Drop Exercise.
PAF and Special Operations Command Pacific combat air controllers during the Live Drop exercise.
Combat air controllers coordinate air-to-ground operations.
The exercise shifted to an Air Defense scenario on February 4 over the West Philippine Sea, focusing on airspace coordination, command-and-control integration, and joint operational response.
On February 6, the engagement culminated in a Joint Bomber Air Patrol over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, showcasing combined mission planning, airspace coordination, and operational readiness among Philippine and US air units.
FA-50PH fighter aircraft flies alongside a U.S. B-52 bomber aircraft over the Luzon Straight.
Philippines and US air assets flying a bilateral bomber air patrol.
FA-50PH fighter aircraft and two U.S. B-52 bomber aircraft.
PAF and U.S. air assets fly together over the West Philippine Sea.
Across multiple days and locations, the bilateral activities were designed to strengthen interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation through realistic joint planning, coordination and execution.
The PAF said the combined air activities and multi-domain support underscore ongoing efforts to reinforce defense partnerships, enhance the capability to safeguard national airspace, and uphold sovereignty.
