PAF, US Air Force conclude 1st edition of Cope Thunder drills

MANILA: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Air Force (USAF) formally concluded the first iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 exercises at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Friday. "On the concluding day of Cope Thunder, PAF and USAF maintenance personnel exchanged best practices in aircraft maintenance during a subject matter expert exchange," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement. The CT PH 24-1, which started on April 8, is expected to have a second iteration in June this year. Castillo said the 11-day bilateral military training exercise, focused on air-to-ground operations, logistics, and other mission support planning and execution. Participating aircraft include the PAF's FA-50PH light jet fighters and the USAF's F-16 multirole jet fighter. This took place in the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area, involving approximately 700 airmen from various PAF and USAF units. "The Cope Thunder exercises play a crucial role in preparing the PAF for t he upcoming Large Force Employment missions during the 'Balikatan' Exercises 2024, scheduled to commence on April 22, 2024," Castllo noted. Source: Philippines News Agency