The Japanese and Philippine air forces have begun unit-to-unit exchanges in an effort to bolster defense cooperation amid China’s increased military assertiveness in the contested South China Sea.
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) deployed two F-15 fighter jets and 60 personnel to participate in the exchanges held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 11 at Clark Air Base on the Philippine-controlled Luzon Island.
This made the Philippines the third nation to which Japan has dispatched fighter jets, after the United States and Australia, the JASDF said. Japan also deployed air surveillance systems to the exchanges.
JASDF lieutenant colonel Arisawa Shotaro said the exchanges aim to “expedite cooperation, inter-cooperation, and mutual understanding” between the two nations to contribute to regional stability, NHK reported….