Cope Thunder PH 25-1, a joint exercise between the Philippine Air Force and the US Pacific Air Force, began on Monday, April 7, in Clark, once the largest Air Force base outside the US mainland. Scheduled to run through April 18, the exercises will take place at key training locations in Northern Luzon. The US will deploy 729 personnel and various aircraft, including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, and S70i Blackhawk helicopters, while the Philippines will send 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets. Observers from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia will also participate. The exercises aim to enhance joint operational readiness and underscore the strengthening defense ties between the two allies amidst China’s growing military presence in the region.
