CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) kicked off Cope Thunder Philippines 25-2 on Monday, July 7, marking a key chapter in deepening military cooperation and boosting air defense training between the two allies.
The opening ceremony, held at Clark Air Base, was led by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and PACAF’s 421st Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler.
Running until July 18, the bilateral air exercise will be staged across Northern Luzon, with more than 2,300 PAF personnel and various aircraft—such as FA-50PH fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and Black Hawk helicopters—taking part. PACAF deployed 225 troops and F-35 fighter jets.
The joint drills aim to boost interoperability, air combat readiness, and regional security, through Field Training Exercises (FTXs) and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs).
Officials emphasized that Cope Thunder supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts and strengthens mutual defense readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.