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The Diplomat
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Exercise Cope Thunder 2025: Boosting Philippines-US Defense Cooperation
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) held the second part of this year's Cope Thunder exercise from July 7 to July 18 at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, the PAF commanding general, and Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, the commander of the 421st Fighter Squadron, PACAF, led the opening ceremony. Cope Thunder, which was founded in the Philippines in 1976, moved to Eielson Air Force Base in the U.S. state of Alaska in 1992 and changed its name to Red Flag Alaska. It then moved back to the Philippines, taking the Cope Thunder name, in 2023. From its inception, the exercise was created to provide aircrews experience with combat in a realistic training setting. The drill swiftly developed into the 'premier simulated combat airpower employment exercise' for the PACAF. Cope Thunder's objective was to improve the aircrews' chances of surviving in war situations. Cope Thunder provides a unique opportunity to strengthen interoperability and integrate troops between the U.S. and Philippine air forces. The goal of the contemporary Cope Thunder exercises is to improve alliance preparedness and joint interoperability among participating units by facilitating bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force. The July exercises expanded on the first portion of Cope Thunder held held from April 7-April 18, 2025. The latest iteration involved a greater number of PAF personnel and more realistic drills to prepare the allied partners for greater security challenges. With a focus on improving alliance interoperability and bilateral fighter integration, the exercise involved over 2,500 people, including 2,300 from the PAF and 225 from the PACAF. As part of the aerial combat exercises between Washington and Manila, U.S. Air Force F-35s conducted their first flight over Philippine land. The F-35 is capable of gathering and sharing real-time battlefield intelligence through advanced sensors and data links, further allowing it to coordinate with other forces and direct operations across land, air, and sea. Two years ago, the Air Force sent its other fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor, to the Philippines for the initial Cope Thunder exercises. Embedding fifth‑gen U.S. aircraft within Philippine drills advances a forward‑deployed deterrence posture, reinforcing Philippine-U.S. alliance commitments in the face of regional security pressures. Furthermore, particularly under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which permits the U.S. military to access and use designated Philippine military bases for joint training, exercises, and humanitarian assistance, the F-35 deployment seems to validate the Philippines' growing role as a crucial frontline state in containing China. Notably, in spite of Beijing's opposition, Manila allowed the U.S. access to four more EDCA sites in 2023, increasing the total to nine. The Philippines and the United States signed a treaty on mutual defense in 1951. An attack on either side would force the Philippines-U.S. alliance to respond and 'meet the common dangers' – a provision that may come into play in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have conflicting claims to islands and reefs. The 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty commitments are reflected in their joint exercises and military training, highlighting common objectives of increasing preparedness, bolstering deterrence, and promoting peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of F-35s to the Philippines is a significant development in U.S. strategy in Southeast Asia. The Philippines and other U.S. allies are being actively integrated into a larger nodal defense network. In addition to enhancing Manila's defense capabilities to support the U.S. in a potential conflict in the South China Sea or Taiwan, the Cope Thunder exercise provided an opportunity to test the cooperation between U.S. F-35s and Philippine FA-50s. The exercise involved comprehensive training across air and ground domains, which further reinforces the Philippine-U.S. defense bond and signals forward regional deterrence. The exercise would perhaps enhance the PAF's tactical evolution and readiness benchmarks, paving the way for future aircraft acquisitions and deeper strategic operations. Given its geographic location, the Philippines is an essential ally for the U.S. defense of Taiwan. General Romeo Brawner, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, issued a warning in April that China was attempting to infiltrate the Philippine military and other institutions and that, in the event that Taiwan was invaded, the Philippines would 'inevitably' be engaged. China is the biggest threat to U.S. security, according to the Trump administration. Furthermore, more than any other region, Washington's long-term objectives are rooted in the United States' relative position in the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, to counter China's aggression, the United States has been investing in its security alliances with allies who have the political will to go above and beyond. Amid the Trump administration's halt on foreign aid, the United States exempted $336 million on February 21 for the modernization of the Philippine security forces. Cope Thunder 2025 also contributes to the Philippine military's modernization and capability development efforts to maintain regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise also marks another important milestone in the advancement of joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the PAF and PACAF. Given the Philippines' ongoing strategic significance, the Philippines-U.S. alliance is expected to continue to play a significant role in the Indo-Pacific region. Both the Philippines and the United States are hopeful that their partnership will continue to grow and that security cooperation will continue in the years to come.
India.com
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to…
Home News Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to… Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to… The United States has for the first time deployed its 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter at the Clark Air Base in Philippines, a move that could further raise US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. (File) US-China tensions: In a significant development which could escalate US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has for the first time deployed its 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter at the Clark Air Base in Philippines. As per experts, Philippines is becoming a crucial regional player as Washington continuously keeps deploying major military assets to archipelago– a group of islands situated within the strategic line of defense called 'first island chain' that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippine which proves to be critical for the US. According to a report by The Eurasian Times, US F-35 fighter jets, along with 2500 personnel have been deployed at the Clark Air Base to take part in the 'Cope Thunder 25-2' joint exercise between the US and Philippines, likely to be conducted from July 7-8. Philippine Air Force has also included FA-50 fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and multiple helicopter models to participate in the drill, the report said. Why US-Philippines are conducting joint air drill? As per Pacific Air Forces, the drill is being conducted with the aim of strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing interoperability between the air force of two countries. 'Free and open Indo-Pacific must not be taken for granted, and the drills are intended to deter potential aggression' says Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of US 421st Fighter Squadron. FA-50 and F-35 jets successfully coordinated within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on the first day of the drill, showing the country's rising role in keeping the region secure. The United States is allowed to operate from nine of the Philippine military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which was also expanded in 2023 even when China strongly opposed it. The deployment of F-35s further reiterates the strengthening security alliance between the two countries. In the defense of Taiwan, Manila, a Philippine city is considered as a significant player due to its geographical proximity across the Luzon Strait and the Bashi Channel. These are strategic maritime chokepoints that can be used by China in the case of an invasion. Additionally, US has steadily increased its military footprint in the Philippines. How US increased military footprint in Philippines? 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 2023, F-22 Raptors conducted joint flights with PAF fighters. While in April 2025, the U.S. deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets and precision munitions. During Balikatan and Salaknib exercises the Typhon missile system was also deployed in Philippines. What is China's concern? 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 defense partnership, including the latest F-35 drills, is expected to heighten further tensions with Beijing, which continues to accuse Washington of destabilizing the Indo-Pacific, the report said. In return, China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific along with addressing serious concerns to emphasize on the rising tensions caused by the growing US presence. As per the report by the Eurasian Times, the growing military partnership between Philippines and US is likely to result in increasing tensions with Beijing who continuously accuses Washington of destabilizing the Indo-Pacific. (With ANI inputs) For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News on
Canada News.Net
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
F-35s lands in Philippines as US, allies push back against China's aggression in Indo-Pacific
Manila [Philippines], July 9 (ANI): The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a key frontline state in the growing 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. 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. 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. (ANI)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US deploys F-35s to Philippines for first time amid rising tensions with China
The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a key frontline state in the growing 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.
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific
The United States has deployed its most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time, a move analysts say signals Washington's intent to stress-test forward combat readiness in a region increasingly shaped by China's maritime assertiveness. The arrival of the stealth jets for the Cope Thunder joint air drills – launched on Monday at Clark Air Base and running until July 18 – reflects a more tangible form of deterrence, experts say, as the Philippines becomes further integrated into America's regional defence network. More than 2,500 personnel – including 2,300 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces – are taking part in the exercise, which focuses on bilateral fighter integration and enhancing allied interoperability. Lt Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, told reporters the decision to deploy the F-35s was meant to deepen collaboration with regional partners, adding: 'A free and open Indo-Pacific is something that we enjoy but should not take for granted in the future years if we want to continue to deter any form of aggression.' While the F-35 features cutting-edge technology including state-of-the-art sensors, Mussler stressed the exercise was about more than showcasing hardware. American and Filipino Air Force officers pose with F-35 and FA-50 aircraft during the launch of Cope Thunder on Monday at Clark Air Base. Photo: Philippine Air Force 'The F-35 is the cornerstone of the US forces and we have a strong relationship with the PAF. We look forward to strengthening the alliance and continuing to integrate,' he said.
