Manila: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) participated in a series of air combat drills using their FA-50PH and EA-18 "Growler" fighter aircraft as part of the ongoing "ALON" 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo stated that the participating Filipino and Australian pilots executed "dissimilar air combat tactics" (DACT) and basic fighter maneuvers (BFM) during the activity on Tuesday. DACT involves advanced maneuvers with different combat aircraft, while BFM consists of tactical maneuvers by fighter jets during air combat maneuvering.

Castillo emphasized that these combined air operations demonstrated the PAF's advancing air combat proficiency and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing joint interoperability with allies and partners. The exercises are designed to deepen defense cooperation, improve interoperability, and strengthen joint capabilities in addressing shared security challenges in the region.

The exercises highlight the expanding Philippines-Australia strategic partnership, with defense and security as essential elements. Exercise "ALON," or Amphibious and Land Operations, is a bilateral training conducted within the joint operational areas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Northern Luzon Command and Western Command.

This year's ALON commenced in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on August 15 and is scheduled to run until August 29.