The US Pacific Air Forces deployed their F-35 Lightning II aircraft, one of the most advanced and lethal fighter jets in the world, to the Philippines on Monday.
The deployment was part of this year’s iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The F-35s will fly alongside the PAF’s FA-50 light combat aircraft during the training exercises to be conducted in the West Philippine Sea over the next two weeks.
Running from July 7 to 18, 2025, this major bilateral air exercise will be conducted across multiple training locations in Northern Luzon, underscoring the enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.
PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 421st Fighter Squadron chief Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler officially opened the exercise at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
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.
Meanwhile, PACAF has committed 225 personnel and F-35 fighter aircraft, further enhancing the exercise’s scope and interoperability.
Participants will also take part in subject matter expert exchanges and field training exercises, which will take place at designated Intensive Military Training Areas throughout Northern Luzon.
“These engagements focus on enhancing operational tactics, interoperability, and joint mission capabilities across multiple domains,” PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
Castillo added that the exercise also marks another significant milestone in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the PAF and PACAF, 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.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “US sends F-35 planes to the Philippines for military drills”
