Philippines, US air forces launch joint drills
Published: 04:04 PM,Apr 07,2025 | EDITED : 08:04 PM,Apr 07,2025
US and Philippine military personnel wave in front of a US F-16 fighter jet, at Clark Air Base near Angeles City. — AFP
MANILA: The Philippine and US air forces kicked off joint exercises on Monday aimed at boosting operational coordination and enhancing 'strategic deterrence', Manila's military said. 'Enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness' would be central to the Cope Thunder exercise, Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura said on Monday at a ceremony to launch the drills.
Military ties between the Philippines and United States have deepened since the 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos. The US State Department last week approved a long-mooted sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was 'still in the negotiation phase'. Speaking at Monday's ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard said that 'the pace of our alliance is accelerating'.
Cope Thunder, which will continue through April 18, aims to enhance 'asymmetric warfare capabilities', operational coordination and strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force. 'Further down the road, we look forward to the seamless transition to exercise Balikatan, which will continue to push the boundaries of our interoperability,' Cordura added. — AFP
Military ties between the Philippines and United States have deepened since the 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos. The US State Department last week approved a long-mooted sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was 'still in the negotiation phase'. Speaking at Monday's ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard said that 'the pace of our alliance is accelerating'.
Cope Thunder, which will continue through April 18, aims to enhance 'asymmetric warfare capabilities', operational coordination and strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force. 'Further down the road, we look forward to the seamless transition to exercise Balikatan, which will continue to push the boundaries of our interoperability,' Cordura added. — AFP