PAF says Cope Thunder drills groundwork for multilateral cooperation
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
April 17, 2025, 9:24 am
MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the just-concluded Cope Thunder Philippines 25-1 (CT PH 25-1) with the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) has laid the groundwork for multilateral cooperation.
The air exercises formally ended with a closing ceremony and hotwash session at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Wednesday.
"The hotwash session served as a post-exercise review, enabling participants to analyze operational outcomes, share key lessons learned, and refine strategies for future joint exercises," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a news release Wednesday night.
She also said CT PH 25-1, a preparatory exercise for the upcoming large-scale "Balikatan" Exercise, "laid a strong foundation for sustained multinational cooperation and enhanced operational synergy."
These closing activities, Castillo said, were spearheaded by PAF 5th Fighter Wing commander Brig. Gen. Leo Fontanilla.
CT PH 25-1 started on April 8 and involved 700 PAF personnel and a diverse fleet of aircraft, including FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B "Super Tucano" close air support aircraft, and S-76A and S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters.
Meanwhile, the PACAF contingent comprised 750 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets. CT PH 25-1 featured a comprehensive program of subject matter expert exchanges, as well as flight and field training exercises.
The drills marked the PAF's inaugural hosting of an International Observer Program, which was joined by representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia.
CT PH 25-1 serves as a key milestone in enhancing joint operational readiness and deepening defense ties between the Philippines and the United States, contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' ongoing modernization and capability development efforts. (PNA)
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