Philippines, US air forces hold drills

MANILA, Philippines — The air forces of the Philippines and United States started the first leg of Cope Thunder at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Monday.

The military exercise began with primary flight operations over the newly renovated runway at the air base.

The drills aim to facilitate bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and enhance combined interoperability among participating forces.

At the opening ceremony, PAF chief Maj. Gen. Fabian Pedregosa stressed the commitment of the PAF and its international allies to enhance interoperability, strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities, promote regional security and stability as well as bolster diplomatic ties.

Around 700 airmen from various PAF and US Air Force (USAF) units are participating in the bilateral military exercise that will run until April 19.

FA-50PH fighter jets and USAF F-16 and C-130 J aircraft were being utilized in the drills.

Cope Thunder started in the Philippines in 1976. The exercise was relocated to Eielson Air Force Base in 1992 and renamed Flag Alaska. It resumed in the Philippines in 2023.

The next Cope Thunder is tentatively scheduled in June.