PAF, US PACAF start Cope Thunder drills in Pampanga

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) have commenced Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 25-1) drills on April 7 at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

The 11-day exercise involves 729 PAF airmen and 250 US PACAF personnel, focusing on collaborative learning and interoperability.

The drills will take place across Northern Luzon until April 18, utilizing bases in Pampanga and Tarlac.

The PAF deployed nine air assets, including four FA-50PH fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano turboprop warplanes, and two helicopters, while PACAF is participating with 12 F-16 fighter jets.

CT PH 25-1 aims to enhance joint operational readiness, deepen defense ties between the Philippines and the United States, and develop asymmetric warfare capabilities for force projection and area denial.

For the first time, an International Observer Program is included, with participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia.