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Cope Thunder interoperability exercises between PAF, USAF underway
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) are reviving their joint military drills, Cope Thunder, after a more than 30-year hiatus, with the first phase running from May 1 to 12.
The exercise was halted previously due to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which led to the curtailment of operations at Clark Air Base.
Approximately 160 USAF personnel and 400 PAF airmen are participating in the drills.
The first phase focuses on air-to-air combat scenarios and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) at Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base, respectively.
The PAF stated that the resumption of the training is timely as the Philippines now has fighter jets again and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets are present.
Colonel Bon Castillo, AFPAO Chief, emphasized that the exercises aim to maintain interoperability between the two forces.
The second phase of Cope Thunder is scheduled to run from July 2 to 21.
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The Philippine and United States air forces conducted flight exercise operations in Pampanga on Tuesday as part of the newly-revived joint military exercise Cope Thunder.
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The Philippine and United States air forces have revived the Cope Thunder joint exercise after a 33-year hiatus, aiming to enhance interoperability and bilateral fighter training.
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Philippine Air Force (PAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) pilots participated in air-to-air combat drills focused on counter air mechanics during the Cope Thunder - Philippines 23-1 Exercise.
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Philippine Air Force (PAF) technicians received training on AIM-9 missile launcher maintenance from US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) experts during Cope Thunder 23-1 exercises.
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