PH, US air forces start Cope Thunder joint exercise

The joint exercise of the Philippine and United States air forces dubbed as Cope Thunder has kicked off, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

According to PAF, a total of 16 fighter jets will be used in the exercise, which aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of the air forces of the two countries, Unang Balita reported on Wednesday.

Maritime strike and anti-ship tactic activities will be conducted in the exercise.

The first iteration of the Cope Thunder - Philippines 2024 involves approximately 700 airmen from various PAF units and the US Air Force.

It will be conducted in the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area, Basa Air Base, and Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base until April 19.

Among the focus of the exercise are subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) and field exercises in air and ground operations, as well as logistics and other mission support planning and execution.

PAF said USAF F-16 and C-130J aircraft will also be utilized in the exercise.

This year's Cope Thunder is tentatively scheduled to have a second iteration in June 2024, according to PAF.

Last year, the Philippines and the US revived the Cope Thunder joint exercise 33 years after it was stopped in 1991. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News