AFP conducts airlift drill for West Philippine Sea operations

December 1, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted on Monday an airlift drill which will be employed in West Philippine Sea operations.

The airlift drill was conducted in San Antonio, Zambales as part of this years AFP Joint Exercise Dagit-Pa (Dagat, Langit, Lupa).

Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AJEX DAGIT-PA exercise director said during the exercise, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Helicopter 432 showcased its Vertical Replenishment (Vertrep) capability that utilized the cargo hook suspension system.

"The drill was carried out on the naval vessel LD601 or BRP Tarlac which was stationed at 1.3 nautical miles west of Capones Grande. This was part of the amphibious operations that are underscored in the 4th iteration of the AFP-wide drills," he said.

Arevalo noted that the "Vertrep capability is vital in operations when ground and water transport for armed units is seemingly impossible".

"This can be employed for ship-to-ship reprovision and replenishment of units especially those stationed in the West Philippine Sea. It is most needed in situations and in mission areas when the transfer of cargo and other provisions and logistical requirements is more practical than landing a helicopter on deck," he said.

"The drills also featured LD601’s flight deck operation with the Navy’s Augusta Westland AW109 helicopters to enhance the skills and capability of its personnel. Also completed was the well deck operation of LD602 or BRP Davao Del Sur for the embarkation of Assault Amphibious Vehicles of the Philippine Marine Corps," he added.

As of Monday, the amphibious forces has completed its final meeting of units to synchronize efforts in preparation for the Amphibious Assault Operation scheduled  Tuesday.

"The December 1 schedule of events for AJEX DAGIT-PA is the highlight of this year’s iteration of the exercise. It will test some of the AFP’s capabilities and competencies in amphibious operations given the sea, air, and land assets made available," Arevalo said.

"Territorial defense capability will also be tested on the same day involving a different set of participants. The learning outcome will impact on the existing doctrines and those that are being developed. While we continue to modernize, our techniques, tactics and procedures, we likewise ensure that our doctrines are continuously updated and developed,” he added.

Arevalo said AJEX DAGIT-PA was launched on November 23 to enhance the Joint force inter-operability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

"This is aimed at elevating the military’s operational effectiveness in contingencies concerning maritime security, territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and natural disasters and calamities," he said. Robina Asido/DMS