Latest news with #FA-50PH
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China Sea
The United States deployed stealth fighter jets to the Philippines-its mutual defense treaty ally-for a joint war game amid increasing Chinese military activity in the South China Sea. The drill, Cope Thunder, comes after China conducted a "combat patrol" around the disputed Scarborough Shoal-located near the Philippines-in the South China Sea last week. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. The U.S. signed a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. This states that an attack on either side-including in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have overlapping sovereignty claims-would prompt the allies to take action and "meet the common dangers." The U.S. and Philippine militaries have conducted several exercises this year-including Balikatan and KAMANDAG 9-to enhance their cooperation. The most-recent joint drill follows a report of China's bomber deployment to an island outpost in the South China Sea. Exercise Cope Thunder began on Monday in the Philippines and is scheduled to run through July 18, according to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces. The aerial drill aims to enhance readiness and interoperability among participating air units by facilitating bilateral fighter training. The Pacific allies support regional and global security by increasing readiness, strengthening deterrence, and fostering a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said. While the U.S. side did not reveal which units took part in the drill, the Philippine Air Force said that 225 personnel and an unspecified number of F-35 fighter aircraft assigned to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces were deployed to Northern Luzon-the Philippines' largest island. Officially released photos show two U.S. F-35 jets conducting a patrol exercise with two Philippine FA-50PH jets over waters within the Southeast Asian country's 230-mile-wide Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters, which extend 13.8 miles from the coastline. In addition to FA-50PH jets, the Philippine Air Force deployed more than 2,300 personnel and A-29B attack aircraft for the exercise, along with AW109, S-76A, and S-70i helicopters. This bilateral air exercise underscored what the Philippine Air Force described as the "enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation" between Manila and Washington. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces said in a press release on Sunday: "Originating in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder relocated to Eielson Air Force Base [in Alaska] in 1992, later rebranding as Red Flag Alaska. Resuming in the Philippines in 2023, this exercise offers a distinctive platform to integrate forces and enhance interoperability between the Philippine and United States air forces." The Philippine Air Force said in a press release on Monday: "[Cope Thunder Philippines 2025] marks another significant milestone in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the [Philippine Air Force] and [U.S. Pacific Air Forces], while contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization and capability development efforts to uphold regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." It remains to be seen whether U.S. F-35 jets will stay behind in the Philippines following the conclusion of the exercise, maintaining the U.S. military presence in the South China Sea. Related Articles Iran Contradicts Donald Trump on TalksIran's Army Gives Missile Update: Thousands Ready to LaunchUS Navy Stealth Ship Shows Up on China's DoorstepArgentina's Javier Milei Keeps Proving His Critics Wrong 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China Sea
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States deployed stealth fighter jets to the Philippines—its mutual defense treaty ally—for a joint war game amid increasing Chinese military activity in the South China Sea. The drill, Cope Thunder, comes after China conducted a "combat patrol" around the disputed Scarborough Shoal—located near the Philippines—in the South China Sea last week. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters The U.S. signed a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. This states that an attack on either side—including in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have overlapping sovereignty claims—would prompt the allies to take action and "meet the common dangers." The U.S. and Philippine militaries have conducted several exercises this year—including Balikatan and KAMANDAG 9—to enhance their cooperation. The most-recent joint drill follows a report of China's bomber deployment to an island outpost in the South China Sea. What To Know Exercise Cope Thunder began on Monday in the Philippines and is scheduled to run through July 18, according to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces. The aerial drill aims to enhance readiness and interoperability among participating air units by facilitating bilateral fighter training. The Pacific allies support regional and global security by increasing readiness, strengthening deterrence, and fostering a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said. While the U.S. side did not reveal which units took part in the drill, the Philippine Air Force said that 225 personnel and an unspecified number of F-35 fighter aircraft assigned to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces were deployed to Northern Luzon—the Philippines' largest island. Philippine FA-50PH fighter jets, bottom, and United States F-35 fighter jets conduct a joint patrol exercise over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters as part of Exercise Cope Thunder on July 7, 2025.... Philippine FA-50PH fighter jets, bottom, and United States F-35 fighter jets conduct a joint patrol exercise over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters as part of Exercise Cope Thunder on July 7, 2025. More Philippine Air Force Officially released photos show two U.S. F-35 jets conducting a patrol exercise with two Philippine FA-50PH jets over waters within the Southeast Asian country's 230-mile-wide Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters, which extend 13.8 miles from the coastline. In addition to FA-50PH jets, the Philippine Air Force deployed more than 2,300 personnel and A-29B attack aircraft for the exercise, along with AW109, S-76A, and S-70i helicopters. This bilateral air exercise underscored what the Philippine Air Force described as the "enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation" between Manila and Washington. What People Are Saying The U.S. Pacific Air Forces said in a press release on Sunday: "Originating in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder relocated to Eielson Air Force Base [in Alaska] in 1992, later rebranding as Red Flag Alaska. Resuming in the Philippines in 2023, this exercise offers a distinctive platform to integrate forces and enhance interoperability between the Philippine and United States air forces." The Philippine Air Force said in a press release on Monday: "[Cope Thunder Philippines 2025] marks another significant milestone in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the [Philippine Air Force] and [U.S. Pacific Air Forces], while contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization and capability development efforts to uphold regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether U.S. F-35 jets will stay behind in the Philippines following the conclusion of the exercise, maintaining the U.S. military presence in the South China Sea.
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH, US air forces open 2nd iteration of Cope Thunder 2025
Participants from the Philippine Air Force and the United States Air Force pose in front of a FA-50PH Golden Eagle and F-35A Lightning II at Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga on July 7, 2025. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) on Monday officially opened the second iteration of this year's Cope Thunder Philippines Exercise at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. In a statement, the PAF said the exercise will be conducted across multiple training locations in Northern Luzon from July 7 to 18 to demonstrate the strong alliance and defense ties between the two countries. 'For this iteration, the PAF is deploying 2,301 personnel and a range of air assets, including FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucanos, AW109 helicopters, S-76A, and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters,' PAF said. 'Meanwhile, PACAF has committed 225 personnel and F-35 fighter aircraft, further enhancing the exercise's scope and interoperability,' it added. The Philippine and US troops will join Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and Field Training Exercises (FTXs). According to PAF, these activities focus on boosting operational tactics, interoperability, and joint mission capabilities across multiple domains. The exercise improves joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the Philippine and US air forces while contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization and capability development efforts to uphold regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the PAF said. The opening ceremony at Clark Air Base was led by PAF chief Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura and PACAF's commander of the 421st Fighter Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Bryan E Mussler. —Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News
Korea Herald
04-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
KAI signs W975b deal to supply additional FA-50 fighter jets to Philippines
Korean Aerospace Industries, the nation's sole aircraft maker, said Wednesday that it has signed a 975.3 billion won ($711 million) contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to export 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft. With this agreement, the total number of FA-50 jets delivered to the Philippines will rise to 24. The deal includes not only the aircraft but also follow-on logistics support, with deliveries scheduled for completion by 2030. The upgraded FA-50PH models will feature extended range through aerial refueling capability, advanced radar systems, and enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. These improvements are expected to significantly boost the Philippine Air Force's operational capability and modernization efforts. The Philippine Air Force has been operating the FA-50PH since 2017, following an earlier deal signed in 2014. The aircraft played a key role during the Battle of Marawi and demonstrated excellent performance during the multinational 'Pitch Black 2024' exercise in Australia, achieving 100 percent availability with KAI's maintenance support. This deal follows KAI's successful export of 18 FA-50 units to Malaysia in 2023 and is expected to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia. Interest in the aircraft is also growing in Europe, the Middle East and South America. 'This additional order reflects a decade of stable operations and trust,' said KAI CEO Kang Goo-young. 'We will continue expanding our global presence with customized upgrades and sustained support.'
South China Morning Post
03-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Philippines offered 20 US F-16 fighter jets in major defence upgrade, amid China tensions
The US State Department has approved the Philippine government's 'request' to buy a complete package of 20 F-16 multi-role fighter jets, which analysts say significantly boosts the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) ability to intercept aircraft over its waters amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Advertisement Manila and Beijing are involved in a long-standing territorial dispute in the South China Sea , marked by vessel ramming and skirmishes between coastguards, and Chinese fighter jets firing flares at a Philippine Air Force transport plane. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the potential arms deal on Tuesday, just days after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Manila , stating the purpose of the sale is to enhance the Philippine Air Force's capabilities in monitoring the seas, providing air support, and defending against enemy air threats. 'This sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the US forces.' China warned the Philippines against undermining 'regional peace' following the potential sale of fighter jets to Manila. The proposed F-16s would represent a significant upgrade over the PAF's existing FA-50PH aircraft Raymond Powell, retired US Air Force colonel Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that the Philippines' defence cooperation with other countries shouldn't target any third party 'nor should it threaten regional peace and security or exacerbate regional tensions'.
