CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) conducted a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFX) at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on August 27 as part of Exercise ALON 2025.
Held at Fire Base, Barangay Canantong in Laur, the exercise showcased the integration of land and air combat capabilities, highlighting rapid deployment, tactical mobility, and precision engagement. Key highlights included Close Air Support (CAS) for ground forces and synchronized air-ground coordination in a dynamic battlefield scenario.
AFP participants included the Army Artillery Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, and air assets from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy. The ADF deployed combat elements from its battlegroup.
Notable AFP assets were the A-29 Super Tucano, AW109 helicopters (Air Force and Navy), T-129 ATAK helicopters, ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers, and 105mm howitzers. The ADF fielded advanced systems including 155mm M777 howitzers, 81mm mortars, heavy machine guns, sniper systems, EF88 Steyr rifles, Minimi light machine guns, MK47 grenade launchers, FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank systems, and RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets.
Senior military officials witnessed the event, including Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete PA, Commanding General, Philippine Army; Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura PAF, Commanding General, Philippine Air Force; and Lt. Col. Andrew Raven, Commanding Officer, 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Commander Battlegroup Ram.
The CALFX enhanced AFP–ADF interoperability in tactical insertion, indirect fire support, mobility, and command-and-control, strengthening both forces’ ability to conduct joint operations and respond to contingencies.
ALON 2025 reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia, underscoring both nations’ commitment to regional security, stability, and collective defense.///
Photos by A1C Ted Castro PAF/PAOAFP
