Pampanga: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States’ Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) initiated the Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 25-1) drills at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The opening ceremony was led by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and PACAF Air National Guard mobilization assistant Maj. Gen. Christopher Sheppard.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CT PH 25-1 exercises will take place across key training locations in Northern Luzon, such as Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga, as well as Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac, and will continue until April 18. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo stated that the PAF is deploying 729 personnel and various aircraft, including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A, and S70i Black Hawk helicopters.

PACAF is contributing 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets to the exercises. Castillo emphasized that the exercise will focus on field training exercises involving aircraft maneuvers and tactics.

For the first time, the PAF is hosting an International Observer Program as part of the exercise, with representatives from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Indonesian Air Force participating. Castillo mentioned that the exercise would also include subject matter expert exchanges in various domains, such as fighter and close air support operations, helicopter operations, cybersecurity, communications, aircraft maintenance, logistics, security, and medical services.

CT PH 25-1 represents a significant milestone in enhancing joint operational readiness and strengthening defense ties between the Philippines and the United States. It also supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization and capability development initiatives.