The headquarters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) will hold a five-day joint Interoperability Exercise (IOX) in Catanduanes this September 2025 to boost combat readiness
During a courtesy visit last Aug. 6, 2025, LTC Christian Joy A. Velasco, Medical Planner of the PA-PAF IOX 04-25 formally informed Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza that about 1,000 personnell will participate in the training aimed at strengthening air-to-ground coordination and enhancing operational synergy in the island province.
The exercise aims to improve interoperability, reinforce combat readiness, strengthen inter-branch cooperation, and evaluate Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) between the Army and Air Force units, LTC Velasco said.
Key components of the exercise include the Military Free Fall (MFF), a parachuting technique with live jump exercises, and Fast Rope Infiltration and Extraction System (FRIES) and Special Infiltration and Extraction System (SPIES) drills.
These operations simulate rapid deployment and extraction from a hovering aircraft, ideal for missions in dense jungles or over water bodies.
The delegation also coordinated with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer IV, Luis P. Surtida Jr., regarding the deployment of a medical response team during the exercise to ensure safety and preparedness in the event of untoward incidents.