Cope Thunder interoperability exercises between PAF, USAF underway

The interoperability exercise between the United States and the Philippine Air Forces known as Cope Thunder is underway.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras," the two countries began holding Cope Thunder exercises in the 1970s,until Mount Pinatubo's eruption forced the curtailment of operations at Clark Air Base, where they were being held.

The PAF said since the Philippines has fighter jets again and the US Air Force's 4th generation F-16 fighter jets are still in the country, it is just right to resume the training.

"Its actually a revival of the name Cope Thunder because it has been a continuing activity for the past years. So basically, it's the same objective for us to maintain our interoperability," said AFPAO Chief Colonel Bon Castillo.

In a statement, the PAF said that the first phase of Cope Thunder will be held from May 1 to 12, while the second one will run from July 2 to 21. The exercise  involves 160 US Air Force members and 400 PAF members from different units.

The first iteration includes primary flight operations at Clark Air Base, Pampanga—including "integration flights on various air-to-air combat scenarios to improve interoperability between the two air forces," said PAF, and subject matter expert exchanges at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The training of the two sides will be more extensive in the second iteration.

"They are going to simulate that there will be large forces moving in certain deployment areas, probably overseas. There will be large aircraft movement going up to Visayas and Mindanao," said Castillo.

Twelve US F-16 fighters based in Japan will take part in Cope Thunder, flying with PAF's FA-50 fighter jets.

Cope Thunder aims to enhance the capabilities and readiness of PAF and Pacific Air Forces to respond to potential threats in the region. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News