The Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) concluded the fifth iteration of their annual Interoperability Exercise on October 24, 2026, at the Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, bringing together around 1,200 soldiers and airmen in a week-long joint training event.
The exercise, designated PAF-PA IOX 05-2026, strengthened the two services' joint response to maritime and coastal threats, according to a Philippine Army press release.
Simulated Amphibious Threat in Bugasong Coastal Area
The field training exercise was held in the coastal part of Bugasong, Antique, where a simulated opposing force launched an amphibious landing. According to the Philippine Army, the joint forces of the Army and the Air Force responded and neutralized the threat through coordinated land and air operations.
Training Activities Across Land and Air Domains
The week-long exercise included air-to-ground coordination, air support, artillery operations, ground maneuver, aviation mobility, casualty evacuation, airborne insertion, and search-and-rescue activities.
Through these realistic operational scenarios, the Army and Air Force demonstrated the integration of their respective capabilities across the land and air domains, the Army said.
First Held in Western Visayas
The fifth iteration of the exercise was the first held in the Western Visayas, according to the release.
The annual exercise strengthened personnel coordination and operational roles between the two major services and integrated capabilities in support of joint missions.
Exercise Tied to AFP's Archipelagic Defense Strategy
According to the Philippine Army, the interoperability exercise also supports the AFP's Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.
Photo credit: Photos from 3DPAO, 3ID / Philippine Army