Japanese Fighters Visit To Promote Defense Cooperation

For the first time since World War II, Japanese fighter aircraft have landed in the Philippines, reports the Kyodo news agency (Tokyo).

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) and Philippine air force personnel have been training together at Clark Air Base near Manila since Nov. 27.

On Tuesday, two Japanese F-15 fighters arrived at Clark Air Base along with a tanker aircraft and a transport plane, the ASDF said, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

Philippine air force officials said their service would continue to work with the ASDF to advance regional peace and stability.

Japan and the Philippines have been strengthening ties in response to increase aggressive activities by Chinese forces in the region.