The airforces of Japan and the Philippines will gather from July 5 to July 8, 2021, for the first-ever air-to-air bilateral training, in an effort to strengthen the defense ties between the two countries. The exercises will be held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Japan Embassy said that it would be a significant event for joint cooperation. Moreover, Maj. Mizuno Masaki, unit commander of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) said, “Japan and the Philippines are often at risk of the danger brought by natural disasters and there are so much we can share on disaster relief operations for saving lives.” The training will involve a C-130H cargo aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Both countries are involved in the South China Sea issue and working closely with the US, with this, Japan has given the Philippines technology equipment to help patrols in the South China Sea. The Japan Embassy made the announcement of the event after several countries close to the US took greater steps to protect their freedom of navigation as militarization in China grows.

In 2013, Japan came to aid the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan caused massive destruction in the country. The two countries have conducted 17 naval drills since January 2015.