The Philippines reaffirmed its role in advancing regional air cooperation as it hosted the 23rd ASEAN Air Chiefs’ Conference (AACC) under the theme, ” Forging Interoperable and Integrated ASEAN Air Forces: Unified Action for Regional Stability” on September 9, 2026. The conference was conducted via Video Teleconference (VTC), with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) hosting the Philippine component at the PAF Museum, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Chaired by Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, Commanding General, Philippine Air Force, the conference featured an exchange of views among ASEAN Air Chiefs on matters of mutual interest and regional security, with Defense Attachés and Embassy representatives from ASEAN member states present at the venue.
The conference provided a platform for the Air Chiefs to share views and discuss areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening professional engagement, interoperability, and regional security. As part of the proceedings, the AACC Chairship was handed over from the Philippines to Malaysia for the AACC 2027. In the Philippines, Lieutenant General Cordura handed the Chairship to Colonel Jafri Ahmad Zulaydi, Malaysian Defense Attaché to the Philippines, representing the incoming AACC Chairman, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris, Chief of Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force. Meanwhile, Colonel Michael F Lugtu (MI) PA (GSC), Philippine Defense Attaché to Malaysia, represented the Philippines in the corresponding handover to the Malaysian Air Chief through the VTC.
Press Release: ASEAN
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