Joint exercises between the Philippine and US air forces were launched on Monday ( Apr 7 ) to improve operational coordination and promote” strategic deterrence,” according to Manila’s military.
The training come after months of fighting between Bejing and Manila over tense areas of the South China Sea, with much-needed larger US-Philippine atmosphere, land, and water activities scheduled for later April.
The Cope Thunder exercise may focus on improving fight readiness and improving joint mission performance, according to Philippine Air Force chief Arthur Cordura, who gave the start to the training.
Since President Ferdinand Marcos ‘ election in 2022, military ties between the Philippines and the United States have grown, with Manila reversing widespread Chinese claims in the South China Sea that an international tribunal has determined are unsupported.
F-16 fighter jets were long-rumored to be sold to the Philippines, but Manila claimed the bargain was still in the “negotiation period.”
US Major General Christopher Sheppard stated at the meeting on Monday that “our empire is growing faster.”
The Philippine Air Force’s ( PYF ) has stated that Cope Thunder’s objectives are to improve “asymmetric warfare capabilities,” operational coordination, and strategic deterrence through April 18.
We anticipate the smooth transition to Balikatan, which will continue to push the confines of our interoperability, Cordura continued.