US Air Force transfers fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters to the Philippines for the first time in history

The US Air Force sent fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jets to the Philippines for the first time during an exercise. They landed at Clark Air Force Base.

Here's What We Know

As part of the exercise, US pilots from the 525th Fighter Squadron, based in Alaska, have joined pilots from the 5th Fighter Air Regiment of the Philippine Air Force. They will conduct joint low-altitude flights, aerial combat maneuvers and interoperate with KC-135 Stratotanker air refuelers.

Note that the Philippine Constitution prohibits the permanent stationing of foreign troops on the territory of the state. However, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the two allows for an increased presence of US forces through rotation.

The Philippines will provide the US Air Force with a number of military facilities, including Basa Air Base on Luzon Island. They have started repairing the runway there with an allocation of $25 million and the US military will also be stationed at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Antonio Bautista and Lumbia Air Base.

Source: Defence News