(TheLibertyRevolution.com)- A pair of U.S. fighter jets were discovered in China’s backyard in early March, according to a report from the defense and national security website 19FortyFive. F-22 Rapt0rs reportedly landed at Clark Airbase in the Philippines, which makes this the first time that American jets were deployed to a Southeast Asian country.
The U.S. Embassy announced that the raptors had landed to show its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty it has with the Philippines. The embassy added that the two nations discussed collaborating in the future. The first day reportedly started with American pilots enjoying signature Filipino dishes. Then, they discussed their capabilities and gave tours of their respective aircraft.
Drills began the next day as the aircraft integrated in-air to demonstrate those capabilities. Some exercises included “low-altitude flyovers, air combat maneuvers, and formation training.”
The session reportedly shows strengthening ties between the U.S. and the Philippines, whose constitution forbids foreign troops from permanently stationing themselves in their bases. Nevertheless, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement gives Americans more freedom to locate their troops around selected locations while the two nations work on increasing their interoperability, according to officials at the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities,” they continued.
The collaboration between the two countries comes after a strained relationship with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte who allegedly threatened to cut military ties with Washington and side with China and Russia. His successor, Ferdinand Marcos, has tried to mend the relationship and hosted Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2022.
The Philippines Coast Guard announced earlier this month that they are going to publicly announce the aggressive actions China is taking in the South China Sea to counter propaganda put forward by the CCP.
