Aus-PHL Joint Air Exercise 2023

Antipolo Magazine 2020

Australian Royal Navy in West Philippine Sea

Australia and the Philippines recently held their inaugural large-scale joint aerial assault training exercise in the disputed South China Sea on August 21. This event served to strengthen their defense partnerships as a response to China's growing and assertive military activities in the region.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defense Force (ADF).

Australian Defense Force (ADF) are currently engaged in a collaborative training operation known as Exercise Alon. This initiative, taking place from August 14 to 31, features Australia's largest warship, HMAS Canberra, alongside other ships involved in the exercise held in the Philippines.

 

Remarkably, this event marks the integration of Exercise Alon into Australia's yearly Indo Pacific Endeavor regional activity for the first time.

Taking place between August 14 and 31, this extensive event encompasses more than 2,000 personnel from both Australia and the Philippines, including about 150 US Marines. The exercises encompass various domains, including air, sea, and land operations.

In a released statement, Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, highlighted that this marks a significant milestone as the primary training segment under the bilateral collaboration between the AFP and ADF. Notably, it is a component of ADF's Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) initiatives for 2023.

 

The Training exercise involves synchronized maneuvers across air, land and sea domains, aiming to replicate authentic combat scenarios and enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of the military forces.

 

Lleto highlighted that the air assault drill in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan, entailed deploying ground combat units using MV-22B "Opsrey" tilt rotor aircraft from the Marine Rotational Force - (MRF-D) These MV-22B aircraft were launched from the HMAS Canberra (LO2), the Royal Australian Navy’s landing helicopter dock, to insert troops at the Punta Baja Airfield on August 20.

 Moreover, the helicopter assault unit successfully established communication with the 3rd Marine Brigade to ensure the safety of the Punta Baja Airfield while simultaneously setting up a forward arming and refueling point. 

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In response, the Philippine military intends to send additional supplies to the isolated outpost, where a small group of Filipino marines is stationed on an aging navy vessel.

However, to display their combined strength, the upcoming drill will feature three aircraft and helicopter carriers sailing together, participating in collaborative exercises.

Among the participants, the Royal Australian Navy will contribute HMAS Canberra, which is equipped with helicopters, according to an official. This joint drill had been planned several months ago.

The United States will deploy its amphibious assault ship, USS America, while Japan will dispatch one of its significant warships, the helicopter carrier JS Izumo.

Due to logistical limitations within its military infrastructure, the Philippines won't be able to participate in this week's drills. Nevertheless, the country remains open to future participation in such exercises.

Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst based in the Philippines, mentioned, "The trilateral exercise involving the US, Japan, and Australia is a way for these countries to signal their commitment to strengthening maritime security ties with Manila."

"While the Philippines won't be part of this particular exercise, it will stay closely engaged through direct coordination. After the drills, commanders from the three countries will meet their Philippine counterparts in Manila," Gill added.

He also highlighted that the exercise's location is crucial for protecting Philippine sovereignty.

Gill noted, "Moreover, these engagements serve as a reminder to China that all four nations are dedicated to upholding the rules-based order, especially in the South China Sea."

In conclusion, these joint military drills during heightened tensions showcase the US and its allies' determination to uphold stability in the region.