CLARK FREEPORT — The Philippine Air Force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) officially commenced Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 (CT PH 25-1) on April 7 at Clark Air Base here.
Scheduled from April 7 to 18, CT PH 25-1 will be held across key training locations in Northern Luzon, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga and Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac.
For this CT PH iteration, the PAF is deploying 729 personnel and various types of aircraft including FA-50PH, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A and S70i Blackhawk helicopters. PACAF, on the other hand, sent a total of 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets. The exercise will highlight field training exercises on aircraft maneuvers and tactics.
For the first time, the PAF is hosting an International Observer Program as part of the exercise, participated in by representatives from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Indonesian Air Force. PIA-3/Photo: PAF
