The US and the Philippines conduct Cope Thunder exercises amid threats from China
Kyiv • UNN
The Philippines and the United States have launched joint military exercises Cope Thunder, which will last 12 days. The purpose of the exercises is to increase combat readiness and improve joint missions in the face of the threat from China.
Cope Thunder training will last until April 18 and is aimed at increasing combat readiness and efficiency of interaction.
UNN reports with reference to AFP, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Air Force.
Details
The Philippines and the United States launched a 12-day joint air force exercise in this Southeast Asian country on Monday.
"Increasing combat readiness and effectiveness of joint missions" are the main components of the exercise, said Philippine Air Force Commander Arthur Cordura.
According to the Philippines, the "Cope Thunder" exercises are being conducted on the northern island of Luzon and are aimed at improving "asymmetric warfare capabilities" and strategic deterrence.
There is also a statement from the United States: US Major General Christopher Sheppard stressed that the pace of strengthening the alliance between the two countries is accelerating.
Reference
The Philippines involved 729 servicemen and various aircraft, including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, S-76A and S70i Black Hawk helicopters, in the exercises.
The United States has deployed a total of 250 servicemen and 12 F-16 fighters, the Philippine Air Force said, adding that "the training will focus on field training in aviation maneuvers and tactics."
Representatives of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Indonesian Air Force are participating in the exercise as the first international observers.
US and Philippine military cooperation
The United States and the Philippines have expanded military cooperation since the election of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in 2022. Last week, Washington gave the green light to the sale of F-16 fighters to Manila. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset recently promised to "double" support during a visit to the Philippines.
Let us remind you
G7 foreign ministers expressed concern about China's provocative actions around Taiwan. They called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
