PH, US troops hold close air support drill rehearsal

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed an FA-50PH jet aircraft for the rehearsal of its simulated close air support (SIMCAS) event, which is one of the highlights of this year’s Balikatan exercises with American forces.

The rehearsal for the SIMCAS took place at the Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Crow Valley Military Reservation, Capas, Tarlac last April 14, the Philippine-US Balikatan Exercises Combined Joint Information Bureau said in a statement Monday.

It added that the PAF training flight is in preparation for the joint SIMCAS set on Tuesday, which will also include a US Air Force plane.

Meanwhile, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) personnel participated in the joint terminal attack controller/combat air controller which primarily directs the action of the combat aircraft and other offensive air operations from a forward position.

Earlier, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson and Exercise Director of Balikatan 2021, said the exercise will “simulate the need to employ air capability while observing the procedures involved during (a) call for fire.”

The 36th iteration of the Balikatan Exercise kicked off April 12 and will conclude on April 23.