PAF air assets West Philippine Sea deployment is ready as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) ensures its preparedness to counter Chinese harassment in the region.
This comes after the latest incident in Bajo de Masinloc, where a Chinese naval helicopter conducted a dangerous maneuver against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft conducting a maritime domain awareness flight.
According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, if the deployment of air assets is requested to support other operating aircraft, whether civilian or military, the PAF is prepared to provide assistance.
However, while the PAF is mandated to support aircraft in distress, the actual deployment of Air Force assets will still depend on guidance from higher headquarters.
Col. Castillo was also asked whether fixed-wing FA-50PH light jet fighters and A-29B “Super Tucano” attack aircraft could be deployed as escorts for civilian maritime patrol planes.
According to Castillo, the PAF is ready to deploy its fixed-wing aircraft within the country’s territories.