AIR forces of the Philippines and the United States are due to start today an exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability in responding to security challenges in the region.
F-35 stealth fighter jets will take part in “Cope Thunder 25-2” which will run until July 18, said Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo said.
Five types of aircraft will be involved in the exercise — FA-50 fighter jets, A-29 light attack aircraft, AW-109 helicopters, Super Huey helicopters, and Black Hawk helicopters.
More than 2,600 personnel are taking part in the exercise — 2,300 from the Philippine Air Force and 235 from the US Pacific Air Forces, said Castillo.
The exercise will formally open at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga this morning. Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura is expected to grace the ceremony.
It is the second and last iteration of the Cope Thunder exercise for this year. The first exercise, dubbed Cope Thunder 25-01, was held last April.
Several training activities are lined up for the Cope Thunder 25-2, said Castillo.
These include fighter aircraft operations, conventional warfare, asymmetric warfare, and disaster response, said Castillo.
Castillo said Cope Thunder 25-2 is meant to enhance the “operational capabilities and readiness” of both sides “through joint training and the exchange of best practices in air operations, disaster response, and other ground and sustainment operations.”
Castillo said the exercise also supports the PAF’s modernization efforts “by providing exposure to more advanced technologies of our defense ally.”
“The exercise bolsters the enduring Philippine-US defense partnership, ultimately contributing significantly to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
“It strengthens military readiness, reinforces defense ties, and promotes shared learning and collaboration with allied nations,” she added.
