US deploys F-35s to Philippines for first time amid rising tensions with China
US-China rivalry
in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington continues to deploy advanced military assets to the archipelago, which lies within the strategic "first island chain" a line of defence that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, critical to US interests in the region, as reported by The Eurasian Times.
Following the recent port visit of the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS George Washington to Manila, the United States deployed its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time. The fighter jets arrived at Clark Air Base to participate in the joint US-Philippines air exercise "Cope Thunder 25-2", which runs from July 7 to July 18.
Over 2,500 personnel, including 2,301 from the
Philippine Air Force
(PAF) and 225 from the
US Pacific Air Forces
, are involved in the drills. The PAF has also deployed a range of aircraft, including FA-50 fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and multiple helicopter models.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World
Car Novels
Undo
According to a statement from the Pacific Air Forces, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two countries' air forces and strengthen bilateral defence ties. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, emphasised that a "free and open Indo-Pacific" must not be taken for granted, and the drills are intended to deter potential aggression.
The deployment also marked the first time the PAF has flown alongside US F-35s, symbolising a significant leap in defence cooperation. In April this year, during the earlier phase of Cope Thunder 25-1, the PAF's FA-50s conducted joint drills with US F-16s.
Live Events
On the first day of the current exercises, FA-50 and F-35 jets conducted coordinated sorties within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, reinforcing the country's growing strategic role in regional security dynamics.
The deployment of F-35s reflects the deepening security alliance under the
Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement
(EDCA), which allows US forces to operate from nine designated Philippine military bases. The agreement was expanded in 2023, despite strong opposition from China.
Manila is considered a critical player in the defence of Taiwan due to its geographical proximity across the Luzon Strait and the Bashi Channel, strategic maritime chokepoints that China could use in the event of an invasion. Earlier this year, the Philippine military chief warned that the country would "inevitably" be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan if one were to erupt.
The US has consistently increased its military footprint in the Philippines. In 2023, F-22 Raptors flew alongside PAF fighters. In April 2025, the US deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal to sell F-16s and precision munitions to the Philippines. Last year, the Typhon missile system was also deployed during exercises Balikatan and Salaknib.
In response, China has voiced serious concerns and even conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific, highlighting its unease with the growing US presence in the region.
The strengthening US-Philippines defence partnership, including the latest F-35 drills, is expected to heighten further tensions with Beijing, which continues to accuse Washington of destabilising the Indo-Pacific, The Eurasian Times reported.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
RSS's national education chintan baithak begins
Kochi: A four-day education-focused 'National Education Chintan Baithak', organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN), an RSS-linked body working to "revive Indian ethos in education", commenced at Adi Shankara Nilayam, headquarters of Chinmaya International Foundation, at Veliyanad near Piravom on Friday. The event was inaugurated by RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. This is the third national chintan baithak of SSUN, following previous meetings at Vrindavan in 2012 and Coimbatore in 2019. Around 100 delegates, including SSUN national coordinators and selected educational experts from various parts of the country, are participating in the event. Addressing the inaugural session, SSUN chairperson Pankaj Mittal said, "Since inception, the Nyas strived to rejuvenate Bhartiya education by blending traditional knowledge systems with modern-day needs, offering a meaningful alternative to the current system. In Bharat, the aim of education was never limited to livelihood—it was a path toward becoming a complete human being. That is the direction in which we must take our education system. " Speaking at the event, Atul Kothari, SSUN national secretary, emphasised the need for a balance of materialism and spirituality in education. He stated that the work of the Nyas and the transformation of Bharat's education are interconnected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo He stressed the importance of focusing on solutions alongside identifying problems. Also present on the occasion were Swami Viviktananda of Chinmaya Mission, SSUN convener A Vinod. The session was conducted by Sanjay Swami, SSUN co-convener. Meanwhile, Gyan Sabha 2025, a two-day conference scheduled for July 27 and 28, will focus on bringing Kerala's traditional knowledge systems into mainstream education. The event will highlight areas like Ayurveda, Kalaripayattu, tourism, architecture, tantric practices and the state's rich mathematical heritage alongside the philosophies of various social reform movements. The organisers said the aim is to support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging self-governance, entrepreneurship and holistic development in the education sector.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
BJP leaders must speak up on Mahadayi project, says minister Laxmi Hebbalkar
Belagavi: "It is not right for the Goa govt to say that it will not permit the Mahadayi project. BJP leaders must speak up on this issue," said minister for women and child development Laxmi Hebbalkar. Speaking to reporters here on Friday, the minister said that the BJP leaders claimed during the Lok Sabha elections that Goa gave permission for the Mahadayi project and used it as a political tool while distributing sweets in celebration. "Now, answers must come from them," she asserted. Rejecting allegations by the Goa CM that the Karnataka govt is politicising the Mahadayi issue, the minister clarified that the state govt has no need to politicise matters related to drinking water, health, or education. Responding to recent attacks on Kannadigas in Goa, the minister strongly condemned the incidents. "Whether it is Karnataka or Goa, both are integral parts of India. I condemn the attacks on Kannadigas. Such acts are completely wrong," she said. She pointed out that many people from Goa come to Karnataka, and Karnataka residents also visit Goa. "Goa's economy depends on people from other states. Goa govt must ensure that visitors and tourists from other states are not harassed," minister Hebbalkar urged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo She also said that the Goa govt must not remain silent on the attacks against Kannadigas and that she would bring the issue to the attention of HK Patil, the minister in charge of border affairs. 'No meeting held by Surjewala with officials' Meanwhile, Hebbalkar clarified that State Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has not held any meetings with govt officials. "He only met with ministers and discussed how they are performing in terms of public service," she said. "Surjewala meets with ministers and MLAs once in every three months. It is not an evaluation meeting. He only gathers information about departmental activities," she added. When asked about minister KN Rajanna's recent statement that a revolution would happen in Sept, Hebbalkar responded, "Ours is a party that listens to the high command. CM and deputy CM have already given a clear explanation. I do not wish to comment further on this," she said.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
AP eyes strategic defence role post UAV missile test
1 2 3 Vijayawada: A day after the successful trial of UAV launched precision guided missiles from Andhra Pradesh soil, the state govt has made a quick move to position itself as a leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing sectors. A delegation of TDP MPs led by parliamentary party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu met Union defence minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Friday and handed over a proposal from chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to set up defence manufacturing units in AP. They urged him to look into the series of landmark initiatives by the govt aimed at transforming the state into a strategic defence production hub. Krishna Devarayalu said they have submitted a comprehensive defence development plan to make AP a leader state in attracting investments in the defence sector. "The chief minister has emphasized on the establishment of four defence and aerospace manufacturing hubs in the state. The state govt has proposed two separate clusters — Jaggaiahpet and Donakonda with nearly 6,000 acres — for missile and ammunition production. About 4,000 acres have been readied at Orvakal in Kurnool district to set up units for drones, robotics, and advanced components. The chief minister has also proposed an aircraft and defence electronics city at Lepakshi-Madakasira where we have identified about 10,000 acres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo We want the Centre to make use of about 3,000 acres available in Visakhapatnam-Anakapalli for naval equipment and weapons testing," the Narasaraopet MP said. The chief minister wants the Centre to set up the DRDO industry-academia centre of excellence at IIT-Tirupati and a common ammunition storage facility by the ministry of defence, Krishna Devarayalu added. "The CM has sought support for defence investments and strategic projects, including the 2,400 crore BEL strategic complex at Palasamudram, and revival of UADNL's 60,000 TPA aluminium alloy plant in Nellore. The govt is ready to give land and provide required infrastructure for HAL's expansion project at Lepakshi," he said.
