The Australian Defence Force helped strengthen Philippine air surveillance capability during Exercise Balikatan through subject-matter expert exchanges on mobile radar systems.

A five-person team, led by an electrical engineer and supported by four communications electronics technicians, delivered lessons on deployment, maintenance and logistics during a combined conference at Wallace Air Base.

Training focused on tactics, techniques and procedures, including site selection, preventive maintenance and sustainment, and helped Philippine crews refine their own processes.

The Philippine Air Force operates the TPS-P14ME mobile radar, while Australia uses the TPS-77, with both designed for air surveillance and defence. 

Flying Officer Ben Silverwood, an electrical engineer from 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, delivered his lessons on radar deployment and sustainment.

“We delivered lessons on how to deploy and maintain the system effectively in the field,” Flying Officer Silverwood said.

“It’s about giving them the processes to support and sustain their capability.”

He said the deployment provided a rare opportunity for technicians to work overseas.

“Our technicians rarely get the chance to go overseas and participate in activities like this, so the experience they gained was great,” Flying Officer Silverwood said.

Philippine Air Force personnel also shared their own maintenance approaches, allowing both sides to learn from each other. 

Flying Officer Silverwood said working closely with the Philippine Air Force strengthened relationships and highlighted the value of shared knowledge.

“The first few days were us teaching, then they showed us how they do things, so it’s been a two-way exchange,” he said.

“Being able to share our information and also get insight into the different ways they do things has been very beneficial.”