A DOZEN F-16 fighter jets of the US Air Force are conducting air combat exercises with the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga, under the 12-day drill “Cope Thunder Philippines 2025-1” that started yesterday.
Cope Thunder aims to “advance our tactical proficiency, sharpen mission execution, and reinforce the vital systems that enable us to operate together effectively. But more than that, we strengthen what truly powers our alliance, which is trust,” said Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura who led the opening of the exercises with Maj. Gen. Christopher Sheppard of the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
Aside from the 12 F-16 jets, the US also sent 250 personnel for the exercises, said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo.
From the PAF, 729 personnel and various types of aircraft including FA-50 fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft, S-76A and S70i Blackhawk helicopters are participating in Cope Thunder, Castillo said.
Field training exercises on aircraft maneuvers and tactics include “dog fighting,” tactical intercepts and other air-to-air basic training, she added.
Sheppard, in his address, said Cope Thunder provides a “valuable opportunity” for the two sides “to build on this (US and Philippines) relationship as we train alongside each other.”
“We value the chance to enhance and expand our friendship and strategic partnership, improve interoperability, and increase our collective ability to accomplish our shared missions,” he said.
He said Cope Thunder is a testament to “enduring strength and alliance” of the two sides.
“It demonstrates our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations can prosper, thrive, and be free from collusion,” Sheppard also said.
He said this year’s Cope Thunder exercise “will see new milestones achieved and built upon the lessons of the past with vision toward the future.”
“We’re counting on each of you to integrate new technologies, test innovative tactics, and further strengthen our ability to operate together as part of a joint and coalition force. The lessons learned here will help shape our future operations and enhance our ability to respond to any crisis, natural disaster, or security challenges that may arise,” added Sheppard.
MODERNIZATION
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines should not be a cause for concern for other nations even as it is being done amid a row with China over the West Philippine Sea.
She said it is not targeted against any country.
Castro made the remark after Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Sunday the planned purchase of 20 F-16 fighter jets is part of the AFP modernization program and China’s continuing aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea is one of the main reasons for the modernization.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro met with Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday last week, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said yesterday.
“Secretary Teodoro remarked that Finland’s geography and history have cultivated its robust resilience to threat actors within its region. He noted that this has led to Finland’s advanced capabilities in securing its defense supply chains,” he said.
Andolong said Nurminen told Teodoro that Finland “seeks to cooperate with like-minded countries that uphold a rules-based international order, such as the Philippines.”
“She mentioned that Nokia, a known Finnish multinational company, is interested in supporting the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program,” said Andolong.
Andolong said Teodoro expressed the DND’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Finland in relation to the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
