Pilots from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) further improved their interoperability with the recently concluded “Sanay Tudla II” and Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) III at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac, a PAF spokesperson said Friday, May 27.
Col. Maynard Mariano, PAF spokesperson, said the Sanay Tudla II and SIMEX III showcased the delivery of secured and near-real-time “Common Operational Picture” or flight scenario through a live voice, video and data feeds from sensors to shooters and to decision-makers in all command and control centers.
The drills were held from May 16 to 24.
Mariano said the pilots were able to enhance their interoperability with specific units which could be useful in future missions.
The pilots' ability to adapt to the modernized systems of PAF was also tested in the exercises.
The PAF utilized its air assets such as the FA-50PH fighter jets of the 5th Fighter Wing; the Agusta Westland AW-109AH, SF-260TP light attack aircraft, T-129 attack helicopter, and A-29B Super Tucano of 15th Strike Wing.
It also deployed Bell-412 helicopters from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing; the Sikorsky S-76 air ambulance helicopter and SOKOL medium utility helicopters from the 505th Search and Rescue Group; and radars from the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing.
A gunnery competition was also participated in by PAF units capable of the air defense system, C4ISTAR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/ Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition, and Reconnaissance System), search and rescue, and surface strike system.
Combat Air Controllers of the 710th Special Operations Wing and Direct Air Support Forward Teams also provided critical connectivity to the pilots and aircraft.
The exercises were viewed live at the Philippine Air Defense Control Center, Air Force Command Center, Hall of Flags, PAF Unit’s COCs and WOCs, including the AFP Command Operations Center and Unified Commands.