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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF, Japan Air Self-Defense Force boost aircraft maintenance cooperation in Clark exchange

PAF, Japan Air Self-Defense Force boost aircraft maintenance cooperation in Clark exchange

Published Jul 4, 2026 06:36 am  |  Updated Jul 4, 2026 01:53 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) held a subject matter expert exchange on aircraft maintenance at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga to improve technical capabilities, operational readiness, and interoperability.
  • The visit marked the first landing of a JASDF E-2D Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft in the Philippines as it transited to Australia for the Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Exercise "Southern Cross 26."
  • The PAF said the activity reflected the growing defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan, supporting capacity-building efforts, regional security, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingents hold their respective national flags during the latter's visit at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The Japanese delegation visited the country from June 28 to July 2, 2026. (Photo: PAF)
Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingents hold their respective national flags during the latter's visit at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The Japanese delegation visited the country from June 28 to July 2, 2026. (Photo: PAF)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) strengthened cooperation in aircraft maintenance after holding a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
The exchange held last Thursday, July 2, brought together specialists from the PAF's 410th Maintenance Wing and 220th Airlift Wing with their JASDF counterparts to share technical knowledge, maintenance practices, and operational experience aimed at improving aircraft sustainment and readiness.
“The visit underscores the continuing commitment of the Philippine Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation through professional military engagements and capacity-building initiatives,” Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said on Saturday, July 4.
The activity coincided with the first-ever landing in the Philippines of a JASDF E-2D Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, which stopped at Clark Air Base while en route to Australia for the Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Exercise “Southern Cross 26.”
Basco said the maintenance exchange formed part of the expanding defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo. The two countries have increased military engagements in recent years through joint exercises, high-level visits, and capability-building activities as both sides seek closer security ties amid a changing regional security environment.
The JASDF delegation headed by Lieutenant Colonel Tomoyuki Saito also paid a courtesy call on Colonel Villamor B. Costales Jr., chief of command staff of the Air Defense Command (ADC), to reaffirm the defense partnership between the two air forces.
The PAF said the latest engagement allowed both air forces to exchange professional knowledge and technical expertise while identifying best practices in aircraft maintenance.
It added that the activity also sought to improve maintenance capabilities and strengthen cooperation between the two services.
The PAF said the activity also supported efforts to promote regional security, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific while advancing its goal of becoming a “mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization.”

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Philippine Air Force Japan Air Self-Defense Force Clark Air Base aircraft maintenance
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