Manila: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday confirmed that a U.S. Boeing E-4B aircraft, commonly referred to as the "doomsday plane" due to its ability to withstand a nuclear attack, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Sunday. The aircraft stayed overnight to refuel and allow the crew to rest. The PAF noted that the aircraft had diplomatic clearance and clarified that there was no VIP visit to the Philippines associated with its presence. Assistance was provided to the plane during its diplomatic layover, and it departed at approximately 11:38 a.m. on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the E-4B, also known as the "Advanced Airborne Post" or "Nightwatch" aircraft, is a modified version of the Boeing 747-200B, designed for the U.S. National Emergency Command Post (NEACP) Program. The U.S. Air Force inventory contains only four of these specialized aircraft.

In related developments, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the potential of drone systems in enhancing the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program. During a speech at the Navy's Drone Warfare Summit, delivered by Assistant Secretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development Augusto Gaite, Teodoro highlighted efforts by Filipino engineers and innovators to develop prototype systems for various applications, including surveillance, logistics, disaster response, and maritime domain awareness.

The Navy's Drone Warfare Summit is taking place from Monday to Wednesday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo City, Zambales. Teodoro pointed out the challenge of scaling these innovations and bridging the gap between prototype and production, as well as between concept and capability. He also noted that the rapid advancement of drone systems, whether in the air, on land, or at sea, has significantly altered how nations prepare for and respond to threats.