The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Army (PA) launched a week-long interoperability exercise (IOX) at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela on Monday, Oct. 7, to enhance their skills, particularly on air-to-ground communication and coordination.

Hosted by the PAF, the exercise aims to enhance the interoperability, combat readiness, and operational efficiency between the two major services while serving as a platform to evaluate and refine joint tactics, techniques, and procedures, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.

This year’s IOX involves 1,100 Army troopers and air force personnel who will train in a wide array of areas including command post exercise, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE), and a field training exercise across multiple locations including Gamu, Isabela, and Rizal, Kalinga until Oct. 11.

During the command post exercise, participants will develop and assess various operational courses of action, with the most effective strategy to be tested in the field training exercise.

The SMEEs, on the other hand, will focus on key aspects of joint operations between the PAF and the PA including planning, intelligence, coordination, air support, insertion methods, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use, communication, medical evacuation, logistics, and security.

The field training exercise – set on Oct. 10 at the Santor Military Reservation in Rizal, Kalinga – will operationalize the strategies developed during the command post exercise while incorporating lessons from the SMEEs.

PAF reservists will also take part in the IOX.

“As we face evolving global challenges, our combined strength, resilience, and dedication are crucial to meet current and future demands. By collaborating and sharing our expertise, we ensure that our troops remain at the forefront of operational readiness, ready to defend our nation and sustain peace,” Brig. Gen. Eric Gachalian, commander of Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon, said.