Air Forces Partner in Tactical Exercises

The U.S. and Philippine air forces partnered for Exercise Cope Thunder 24-2, held July 15–19 at Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to refine combined tactics, improve air defense strategies, and build agile combat employment capabilities through realistic, scenario-based training.

Participating U.S. units included F-16 aircraft from Alaska’s 36th Fighter Squadron and 25th Fighter Squadron. Philippine Air Force participants included FA-50PH light fighter jets and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The bilateral missions emphasized dynamic targeting, tactical coordination, and integrated command and control, all within a multilateral airspace environment.

Military leaders from both countries underscored the importance of consistent joint exercises in preparing for shared security challenges and strengthening defense relationships between allied forces.

This iteration of Cope Thunder furthered efforts to enhance interoperability and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. It also supported the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines, reinforcing regional stability.