PH Air Force launches Air Combat Command

The Philippine Air Force launches the Air Combat Command, a unit that will oversee tactical air and special operations missions. PAF-PIO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has launched the Air Combat Command, a unit that will oversee tactical air and special operations missions.

In a video teleconference, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes on Monday (June 1) presided over the activation of the new unit, which followed the deactivation of the Tactical Operations Command.

Command and control of the 15th Strike Wing and 710th Special Operations Wing were transferred to the jurisdiction of the Air Combat Command, said Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang in a statement.

The 530th Air Base Group was likewise handed over to the Air Combat Command.

“This significant change is our definitive response to ensure that our units are dependable and functional to support the increasing combat demands of the Armed Forces,” Paredes said.

The Air Combat Command is headed by Maj. Gen. Marcelino Randy Tibayan.

Tactical Operations Wings was placed under the control of Paredes.

Edited by TSB