Philippines, US launch joint air force drill

The exercise, Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 (CT PH 25-1), will run through April 18 at key training locations in Northern Luzon, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga as well as Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac.

For the drill, the Philippines has deployed 729 personnel and various aircraft, including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A and S70i Black Hawk helicopters.

The US has deployed a total of 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets, the statement by the Philippines Airforce said, adding that “the exercise will highlight field training exercises on aircraft maneuvers and tactics.”

Representatives from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Indonesian Air Force are participating in the exercise as the first international observers.

The drill is aimed at “enhancing joint operational readiness and deepening defense ties between the Philippines and the US,” the statement said.

Under a mutual defense treaty, the Philippines is the US’ oldest military ally in the Asia-Pacific region where American forces have access to Filipino military bases.