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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.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Guard what you share
TAWAU: Armed forces personnel must refrain from uploading sensitive content on social media, particularly those related to security assets, to prevent hostile parties from identifying the nation's defence capabilities, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic). The Defence Minister said armed forces commanders should issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security. 'Sometimes, in their eagerness to showcase training or equipment, personnel may unintentionally reveal where such assets are stored. This could expose our strengths to those with ill intent,' he told reporters after an event here, Bernama reported. The minister was responding to a reminder issued by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who cautioned military personnel against sharing everything on social media, particularly sensitive information related to troop movements and operations. His Majesty, when officiating the commissioning parade of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) cadet officers on Saturday, decreed for military personnel to be cautious and refrain from disclosing unnecessary information to the public. Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said his ministry will continue to acquire strategic assets annually to strengthen national security. These are not off-the-shelf purchases, he stressed, but custom orders tailored to the armed forces' operational needs across land, air and sea to ensure suitability and effective deployment. 'We have already procured 18 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea and three Littoral Mission Ships. The construction of the Littoral Combat Ships are underway, alongside radar purchases to bolster national defence,' he said. He said the ministry is also in the process of replacing the static Tun Sharifah Rodziah forward operating base with a more modern and mobile base, better suited to current operational demands. Commenting on ongoing global conflicts, including in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran-Israel and India-Pakistan, Mohamed Khaled said these developments highlight the importance of Malaysia prioritising the acquisition of technology- driven defence assets. 'We are also aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a serious concern. 'The government is committed to ensuring balanced defence preparedness between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,' he added.
Daily Express
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Advice to the Forces not to share sensitive content on social media
Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Khaled said he was confident that armed forces commanders would issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security. TAWAU: Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have been reminded to refrain from uploading sensitive content on social media, particularly related to security assets, to prevent hostile parties from identifying the nation's defence capabilities. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he was confident that armed forces commanders would issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security. 'Sometimes in their eagerness to showcase training or equipment, personnel may unintentionally reveal where such assets are stored. 'This could expose our strengths to those with ill intent,' he told reporters after officiating the Tawau 2025 Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Carnival at the Tawau Sports Complex. Mohamed Khaled was responding to a reminder issued Saturday by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who cautioned military personnel against sharing everything on social media, particularly sensitive information related to troop movements and operations. Meanwhile, he said the Defence Ministry continues to acquire strategic assets annually to strengthen national security. These are not off-the-shelf purchases, he stressed, but custom orders tailored to the MAF's operational needs across land, air and sea to ensure suitability and effective deployment. 'We have already procured 18 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea, three Littoral Mission Ships and are continuing construction of the Littoral Combat Ships, alongside radar purchases to bolster national defence,' he said. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry is also in the process of replacing the static Tun Sharifah Rodziah forward operating base with a more modern and mobile base better suited to current operational demands, expected to be completed next year. Commenting on ongoing global conflicts, including in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran-Israel, and India-Pakistan, he said these developments highlight the importance of Malaysia prioritising the acquisition of technology-driven defence assets. 'We are also aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a serious concern. The government is committed to ensuring balanced defence preparedness between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
