MANILA (AFP) – The Philippine and United States (US) air forces kicked off joint exercises on Monday aimed at boosting operational coordination and enhancing “strategic deterrence”, Manila’s military said.
“Enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness” would be central to the Cope Thunder exercise, Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura said yesterday at a ceremony to launch the drills.
Military ties between the Philippines and US have deepened since the 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos.
The US State Department last week approved a long-mooted sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was “still in the negotiation phase”.
Speaking at Monday’s ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard said that “the pace of our alliance is accelerating”.
Cope Thunder, which will continue through April 18, aims to enhance “asymmetric warfare capabilities”, operational coordination and strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force.
“Further down the road, we look forward to the seamless transition to exercise Balikatan, which will continue to push the boundaries of our interoperability,” Cordura added.
Like the majority of Balikatan’s planned activities, Cope Thunder will be conducted on northern Luzon island.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with Washington gives US forces access to nine bases in the country.
One is a naval facility at Cagayan’s Santa Ana.
During a recent visit to Manila, US Defence Chief Pete Hegseth said Washington was “doubling down” on its alliance with the archipelago nation.
“Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region,” he said on March 28.
