Philippines, US air forces conduct Cope Thunder Exercise April 7-18

The Philippines and United States air forces will conduct the first iteration of this year's Cope Thunder Exercise from April 7 to 18, 2025.

Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, announced during a press briefing that the annual bilateral event aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces through joint training exercises.

Conducted in Northern Luzon, Cope Thunder Exercise began in the Philippines in 1976 but was discontinued from 1991 to 2022 due to Mount Pinatubo's eruption damage and political decisions.

The exercise was revived in 2023 with a second iteration scheduled for June this year, although specific dates have not been provided.

Cope Thunder aims to sustain and develop the security relationship and promote coordination in both air and ground operations between Philippine and US forces.