US, PH air forces start ‘Cope Thunder’ war games
Air force officials of the Philippines and the United States attend the opening ceremony for Cope Thunder Philippines 2025-1 at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga on Monday. — Photo by Faith Argosino
PAMPANGA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States opened on Monday this year’s iteration of their air forces’ joint “Cope Thunder” exercise at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
According to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the bilateral exercise is sponsored by the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) dubbed “Cope Thunder Philippines 25-1.” It will be held for almost two weeks, until April 18.
The PAF said 729 of its personnel will participate in the event and nine air assets — four FA-50PHs, three A-29B Super Tucanos, one S-76A, and one S-Huey — will participate in the exercise.
READ: 2025 war games between US, PH Air Force set for April — PAF
On the other hand, 250 PACAF personnel will join the event, along with 12 F-16 fighter jets.
“This year’s iteration aims to develop asymmetric warfare capabilities for force projection and area denial; enhance conventional capabilities to ensure superiority in air operations; enhance cooperation with international and security partners to improve operational coordination, readiness, effectiveness, and strategic deterrence; and enhance sustainment systems to increase operational readiness and mission effectiveness,” the PAF said in statement released Monday.
It disclosed that the PAF’s counterparts in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia will participate in the exercise through the international observer program.
PAF added that the exercise will be held in various training locations within Northern Luzon — Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga; and Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.
The first-ever iteration of Cope Thunder since its return was held in 2023. The exercise started in the Philippines in 1976 and went on until 1990.
Cope Thunder was discontinued after the US military left Clark Field and Subic Bay in 1991 due to damage from Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in June of that year and after the Philippine Senate voted against extending the lease on US military facilities in the country.
