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A military aircraft training exercise in the Philippines on Tuesday led to injuries among U.S. service members, as confirmed by the Defense Department. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military training exercises.
Following the accident, the pilot and two additional service members were hospitalized for medical treatment. Meanwhile, two others received immediate care at the site, highlighting the rapid response capabilities in such situations.
In a statement provided to The Hill, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) clarified that the incident occurred during a training session in Central Luzon. The communication emphasized that “two service members were transported to a medical facility for medical attention.” One of these individuals has since been discharged, while the other continues to receive care but is reportedly in stable condition.
Crucially, the incident did not result in any civilian injuries, an aspect that has been reassuring for local communities. The command has initiated an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the event, aiming to prevent future occurrences.
The incident, which had no civilian injuries, is currently under investigation, according to the command.
Indopacom would not confirm the total number of those injured or the type of aircraft involved in the accident, but state media reported earlier that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Special Tactics Team used an A C-146 special operations aircraft to carry out “an alternate landing activity” on a bypass road in Laoac, Pangasinan.
The country’s Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the activity was training for military operations and humanitarian assistance without airports and runways, likely in the event of a natural disaster such as a typhoon or earthquake.
The Air Force plane was able to land during the “supervised activity,” but swerved during takeoff, a Philippine official told the AP.
Longtime allies, the U.S. and the Philippines conduct joint military exercises and Washington aids in modernizing Manila’s military to help defend its territorial interests against China and others.
Earlier this month the U.S. announced its plans to deploy more high-tech missile systems to the archipelagic country in Southeast Asia to help deter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, a stance that has drawn Beijing’s ire.
China and the Philippines’ naval forces have clashed in recent years, as Beijing claims that much of the contested waterway is under its control.
While the U.S. holds no claims in the South China Sea, it often conducts freedom of navigation exercises through the waterway. Washington also has warned Beijing that under a mutual defense treaty it has an obligation to defend the Philippines if its forces come under an attack.