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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF, US counterpart wrap up Cope Thunder exercise

PAF, US counterpart wrap up Cope Thunder exercise

Published Jul 22, 2023 09:24 am
The second iteration of the Cope Thunder 2023 exercise between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (US PACAF) has been concluded on Friday, July 21, effectively enhancing the combat skills of more than 1,000 Filipino and American airmen.

*Philippine Air Force (PAF) and United States Pacific Air Force (US PACAF) personnel pose for a photo during the closing ceremony of Cope Thunder 2023-2 at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on July 21, 2023. Also seen from their background are (L-R) FA-50PH, A-10 Warthog, and A-29B Super Tucano aircraft. (Photo: PAF)

* The closing ceremony for the 15-day Cope Thunder 2023-2 was held at the Air Defense Alert Center (ADAC), Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. “Working side by side, PAF personnel and their US counterparts had opportunities for exchange of knowledge, learned from each other's experiences, and developed a deeper understanding of their capabilities through integration,” Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said on Saturday, July 22. “Needless to say, the exercise Cope Thunder 2023 enhanced the skills of the participants, improved the interoperability of both Air Forces and reinforced the partnership of both nations for peace, security and development efforts,” she added. A total of 687 PAF personnel and 585 US Pacific Air Force (US PACAF) participated in the exercise which composed of full packed flight training, ground exercises, and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs). The exercise began on July 7. The drills also saw action from widely used aircraft from both air forces including the US PACAF’s F-22 Raptors and A-10 Warthogs; and PAF’s FA-50PH and A-29B Super Tucano. The drills enabled both air forces to coordinate their operations among aircraft of different types, Castillo said. These also refined the PAF and US PACAF’s tactical approaches and bolstered their overall effectiveness in countering airborne threats which are crucial in preserving the peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, she added. The second round of Cope Thunder followed the successful conduct of the first iteration from May 1 to 12 which involved 400 PAF airmen and 160 USAF service members. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has ramped up its bilateral military exercises with the United States to enhance its capabilities and protect the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea amid a continuing territorial dispute with China.

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