ABS-CBN
First in 3 decades: Philippine, US air forces to hold Cope Thunder drills
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.
The exercise is scheduled to take place from May 1 to May 12, marking the first time Cope Thunder has been held in the Philippines since 1990.
Primary flight operations will be conducted over Clark Air Force Base.
Approximately 160 US Air Force personnel from the 35 Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base in Japan, will participate, bringing over 12 aircraft.
This revival allows both nations' air forces to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Cope Thunder originally began in the Philippines in 1976 before being relocated to Alaska in 1992 and renamed Red Flag Alaska.
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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.
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Philippine, American, and Australian troops participated in an air assault drill in Ilocos Norte as part of the "Balikatan" exercises.
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