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The Diplomat
6 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
Arab News
09-07-2025
- General
- Arab News
How a Muslim woman from Sulu made history as a Philippine Air Force pilot
CLARK AIR BASE, PAMPANGA: In 1998, when she sat in the cockpit for the first time, Rosemawattee Remo was not just fulfilling her dream — she was also making history by becoming the first female Muslim pilot in the Philippine Air Force. Born and raised in Sulu, in the predominantly Muslim southern Philippines, Remo grew up in a traditional household where male and female roles were clearly defined. Her decision to join the military, travel some 1,000 km away from home and fly aircraft was not initially welcomed. 'My father was a (school) principal then and he wanted me to follow in his footsteps,' she told Arab News. 'The day before my departure to Manila, I told him that I had a scheduled flight and he told me: 'You're way ahead of your brothers ... we're still alive and you're already making decisions on your own.'' But she did not feel discouraged: 'Those words keep ringing in my ears every time I'm at my lowest,' she said. '(They remind me) that I can't give up.' Holding the rank of colonel and currently serving as deputy wing commander of the PAF's 410th Maintenance Wing, Remo started her military career in 1992 with the Women's Auxiliary Corps under the Armed Forces. A year later, she enrolled in the Officer Candidate School. Her graduation in 1994 coincided with the implementation of a landmark law that for the first time allowed women to hold combat and leadership roles in the army, navy, air force and police — positions previously exclusively for men. 'We were nearing our graduation. We were told to draw lots and, fortunately, I took the Philippine Air Force,' Remo said. Four years later, she started her training as a pilot and soon specialized in helicopter rescue missions. Assigned to the PAF 505th Search and Rescue Group, she flew Bell 205 and Huey helicopters for disaster response and served as a co-pilot aboard a larger Sikorsky or Black Hawk for military transport and relief missions. Married to a fellow PAF pilot, she has three children and has always found ways to balance her military service with motherhood — and even make them complement each other. In the aftermath of deadly Typhoon Frank in 2008, when she flew relief operations in Central Mindanao in conditions suitable for flight, she had two major motivations that kept her going: the distressed people on the ground suddenly filling with hope as they heard the chugging sound of helicopter blades, and her own kids waiting for her at home. 'I always brought them along with me in the deployment area, so every time I got out of the aircraft I saw my kids waiting for me,' she said. 'I needed to go back home right after the mission ... I had to do everything to survive.' Col. Remo has flown more than 2,000 hours on critical missions — search and rescue, relief, rehabilitation. She also took part in skydiving exhibitions between 1999 and 2014. The first Filipino Muslim woman in such a role, she tries not to see her achievements as anything extraordinary. 'I always keep my feet grounded,' she said. 'If you have a dream, then you have to persevere and find ways to attain (it).'
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.
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Japan vows to help PH improve airspace surveillance capabilities
The Japanese government on Tuesday expressed its commitment to supporting the Philippines in enhancing the country's airspace surveillance capabilities. 'This Air Surveillance Radar System further strengthens the enduring and unwavering defense partnership between Japan and the Philippines,' Ambassador Endo Kazuya said in a press release. Kazuya said that the Air Surveillance Radar System Acquisition Project with Japan includes three fixed surveillance radars and one mobile air surveillance radar. The ambassador visited the air surveillance radar site in the southern portion of the Philippines on June 17. According to the Embassy of Japan in Manila, the site is the second location for the surveillance radar system, marking the first completed defense equipment transfer from Japan. During his visit, Kazuya received briefings on the various tests currently underway in preparation for the radar's operational launch. In 2023, the Philippine Air Force acquired a new Air Surveillance Radar System from Japan. Last year, Japan provided the Philippines with P611 million worth of defense equipment, including surveillance radars and boats, to ramp up the country's capabilities in deterring threats to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
