Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 2) — Military drills between the Philippines and the United States continue with the revival of Cope Thunder involving both countries’ air forces this May and July.
According to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the first such military exercise since 1991 is set on May 1 to 12, while the second would take place on July 2 to 21.The PAF said the exercises intend to boost the capabilities and readiness of the air forces “to respond to potential threats in the region.”Some 400 PAF airmen and 160 USAF service members would participate in the exercise, it added.The first wave of the drill, which would take place at Clark Air Base in Pampanga, would focus on the mission planning cell, which is responsible for planning and coordinating the integration of different aircraft and the execution of defensive and offensive counter-air operations.The joint training of air forces in the Philippines began in 1976 until 1990. The program was suspended following the closure of US military bases in Clark and Subic Bay.The revival of Cope Thunder follows the conclusion last week of the largest Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises between the two defense treaty allies.
