PAF, US PACAF open 2nd iteration of Cope Thunder air drills
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
July 7, 2025, 4:34 pm
MANILA -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) soldiers and their counterparts in the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) on Monday formally opened the second iteration of this year's Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 25-2) at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
"Running from July 7 to 18, 2025, this major bilateral air exercise will be conducted across multiple training locations in Northern Luzon, underscoring the enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.
Opening ceremonies for CT PH 25-2 were led by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and PACAF 421st Fighter Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler.
According to Castillo, PAF will be deploying 2,301 personnel and "a range of air assets" for CT PH 25-2.
These air assets include FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B 'Super Tucanos,' AW-109 helicopters, S-76A, and S-70i 'Black Hawk' helicopters.
"Meanwhile, PACAF has committed 225 personnel and F-35 fighter aircraft, further enhancing the exercise's scope and interoperability," Castillo said.
Participants will take part in subject matter expert exchanges and field training exercises, which will take place at designated "intensive military training areas" throughout Northern Luzon, the PAF official said.
Castillo said these engagements will focus on enhancing operational tactics, interoperability, and joint mission capabilities across multiple domains.
"CT PH 25-2 marks another significant milestone in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the PAF and PACAF, while contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization and capability development efforts to uphold regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region," she said.
The first iteration of Cope Thunder 2024, or CT PH 25-1, was held from April 7 to 16. (PNA)
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