The Philippine and US air forces launched joint exercises on Monday aimed at strengthening operational coordination and enhancing strategic deterrence, according to Manila’s military. These drills come in the wake of heightened tensions between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. A larger series of air, land, and sea exercises involving both nations is scheduled for late April, signaling a continued commitment to military collaboration.
Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura emphasized that the primary focus of the Cope Thunder exercise is on “enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness.” This exercise represents a significant step in fortifying the military relationship between the Philippines and the United States, which has notably intensified since the election of President Ferdinand Marcos in 2022. Under Marcos, the Philippines has increasingly resisted expansive Chinese claims in the South China Sea, an assertion that an international tribunal has deemed without legal basis.
The recent approval from the US State Department for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, although still in the negotiation phase, highlights the growing defense collaboration between the two countries. During the ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard remarked on the accelerating pace of the alliance, further underscoring the strategic partnership.
Cope Thunder, set to continue until April 18, is designed to develop “asymmetric warfare capabilities,” enhance operational coordination, and bolster strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force. Cordura noted that this exercise is a precursor to the upcoming Balikatan exercise, which will further expand interoperability between US and Philippine forces.
Most of the planned activities for Balikatan will take place on northern Luzon island, strategically located closest to Taiwan. The context for this exercise is further complicated by recent developments in the Taiwan Strait, where China has conducted extensive military drills, simulating a blockade around Taiwan. Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner cautioned that the Philippines would “inevitably” be drawn into the situation should Taiwan face invasion, a statement that was later clarified to reflect concerns about the safety of Filipino workers in Taiwan.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States allows American forces access to nine facilities across the Philippines, including a naval base in Cagayan, located about 400 kilometers from Taiwan. During a recent visit to Manila, US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth reiterated Washington’s commitment to its alliance with the Philippines, stressing the importance of deterrence in the region amidst perceived threats from China.
