The Philippine Air Force (PAF) took part in a missile defense drill during Balikatan 41-2026, highlighting its growing role in strengthening air and missile defense capabilities alongside allied forces.
The exercise, held from April 26 to 29 in Zambales, involved the PAF’s 960th Air and Missile Defense Wing (AMDW) working closely with United States forces in an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) scenario.
During the drills, Filipino and American troops coordinated to detect, track, and neutralize simulated aerial threats through a sensor-to-shooter system. Radar platforms delivered early warning data, which were processed and transmitted to tactical units for timely response using the PAF’s SPYDER air defense system alongside US missile defense assets.
The 960th AMDW also carried out simulation exercises aimed at sharpening operational skills in air and missile defense. Counter-unmanned aerial system measures were integrated into the drills, further enhancing the capability to respond to evolving airborne threats.
Military officials said the activity underscores the importance of synchronized ground-to-air defense systems in addressing increasingly complex security challenges. It also aligns with the broader goals of Balikatan exercises to improve interoperability, strengthen joint operational readiness, and enhance the combined defense posture of allied forces.
The participation of the PAF in the IAMD exercise reflects a shared commitment between the Philippines and its partners to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, while advancing the Air Force’s push to build a mission-ready and capability-driven organization.