The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) on Friday concluded this year’s second iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 (CT PH 25-2).
Both countries conducted joint air operations and training exercises over a two-week period that began on July 7 across various locations in Northern Luzon.
CT PH 25-2 brought together 2,300 PAF personnel and 225 PACAF personnel, and featured a wide range of training activities, including joint maritime patrol missions, air defense training, field training exercises (FTXs), and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs).
The PAF deployed its FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucanos, AW109, S-76A, and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, while PACAF deployed several F-35A fighter aircraft.
A hotwash ceremony was held on July 14, 2025, at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, serving as the culminating program of the exercise. However, continuing training activities, validations, and SMEEs proceeded until July 18, 2025, solidifying lessons learned and maximizing training value across participating units.
The exercise focused on enhancing air superiority, asymmetric warfare capabilities, and interoperability with international partners to boost coordination, readiness, and deterrence.
Activities included air defense operations, bilateral mission planning, and joint tactics for close air support, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue.
“Through SMEEs, both air forces exchanged expertise in maintenance, base security, and emergency response, reinforcing sustainment systems and mission effectiveness,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
“This year’s iteration of the Cope Thunder exercise represents another significant milestone in the enduring PAF-PACAF partnership and supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization and capability development efforts. It also reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region,” she added.
