The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) officially commenced Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 Monday at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

The opening ceremony was led by Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura Commanding General of the PAF, and Major General Christopher Sheppard PACAF, Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces.

Scheduled until April 18, Cope Thunder will be held across key training locations in Northern Luzon, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga and Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac.

For this exercise, the PAF is deploying 729 personnel and various types of aircraft including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A and S70i Blackhawk helicopters.

PACAF, on the other hand, sent a total of 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets. The exercise will highlight field training exercises on aircraft maneuvers and tactics.

For the first time, the PAF is hosting an International Observer Program (IOP) as part of the exercise, participated in by representatives from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Indonesian Air Force.

The exercise will also feature subject matter expert exchanges covering a wide range of domains including fighter and close air support operations, helicopter operations, cybersecurity, communications, aircraft maintenance, logistics, security, and medical services. Air Force Public Affairs Office