West PH Sea: PAF deploys modern aircraft for amphibious drills in Palawan

MILITARY DRILLS. Philippine Army troops eject mid-air from a PAF S-70i Black Hawk helicopter in a dynamic military free fall. The deployment of two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and two S-70i Black Hawk helicopters is part of the eighth iteration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” scheduled from Nov. 4 to 15. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed its most modern helicopters and close-air support aircraft to participate in the amphibious landing exercise in Palawan over the weekend.

In a statement Monday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the deployment of two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and two S-70i Black Hawk helicopters is part of the eighth iteration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” scheduled from Nov. 4 to 15.

PAF’s air assets were sent to the drills on Nov. 9 to showcase its “tactical air support capabilities” aside from enhancing the amphibious operations in Palawan, she added.

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On Nov. 10, the PAF carried out an exercise featuring advanced tactical operations, with PAF helicopters, executing precision helicopter sniping drills and fast rope insertion and extraction system operations.

Castillo said these drills allow for rapid deployment and extraction of personnel in complex terrain.

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“Additionally, military free fall exercises were carried out, with the Philippine Army troops conducting high-altitude parachute jumps to enhance their readiness for covert missions,” she added.