US sends jet fighters to Philippines for military drills

The US is deploying a dozen of F/A – 18 squadrons to the Philippines this week to take part in annual military drills with the South East Asia close security ally.
The US is deploying a dozen of F/A – 18 squadrons to the Philippinesthis week to take part in annual military drills with the South EastAsia close security ally.

In a statement on April 4,the spokesperson of Filipino defence ministry, Major Emmanuel Garciasaid the presence of the jet fighters has nothing to do with the risingtensions in Korean Peninsula, and that the exercises were planned morethan a year ago.

As many as 8,000 American andFilipino troops will take part in the joint maneuvers to train in mimicbattles and disaster relief operations.

The USwill also send USS Tortuga dock landing ship and 14 other jet fightersto the Philippines , while this country will deploy at least 10aircraft and 2 warships to the 12-day exercises.

Thewar game is considered a test to the two allies’ joint defence plansbased on the Mutual Defence Treaty. The US is maintaining similararrangements with the Republic of Korea , Japan , Singaporeand Australia.-VNA

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