The philippine air force: On Monday announced that America's premier and most sophisticated stealth fighter aircraft, the Lockheed Martin-Boeing F-22 "Raptor," will participate in a high-impact flying exercise in this year's Exercise Cope Thunder 26-1, which is scheduled from April 6 to 17.

According to Philippines News Agency, a key, high-intensity highlight of the exercise involves an aerial engagement between the PAF's FA-50 fighter jet and the PACAF's (Pacific Air Forces) F-22 Raptor, testing tactical agility. The F-22 "Raptor" has a top speed of Mach 2.25, equivalent to 1,500 miles per hour, and has a range of 1,800 miles. It is armed with a 20mm Vulcan rotary cannon and eight internal weapons stations where air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles can be fitted and launched. Additionally, it is stealth capable, making it difficult for radars to detect while flying.

The PAF's FA-50, serving as the Philippines' sole fighter aircraft, has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5, equivalent to 1,140 miles per hour, and a range of 1,150 miles. This aircraft is armed with a 20mm automatic cannon and can be equipped with a variety of air and ground-to-air missiles. No further details regarding the number of participating F-22s and FA-50s were provided for security reasons.

Around 2,800 PAF and PACAF personnel will take part in the exercise, which will be held in various Northern Luzon areas. "Building on a long-standing defense alliance, Cope Thunder 26-1 is designed to strengthen interoperability between the PAF and PACAF," the PAF stated. The training underscores a shared commitment to promoting regional security and fostering deeper cooperation through high-intensity aerial maneuvers and tactical exchange.