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Basa Air Base, Philippines – Members of the U.S. Air Force and Philippine Air Force (PAF) completed exercise operations for Cope Thunder 26-1, a bilateral training consisting of flight integration training and Subject Matter Expert exchanges, 17 April, at Basa Air Base, Philippines.
Cope Thunder 26-1 brought together approximately 2,800 PAF and Pacific Air Forces participants to integrate the latest capabilities and technologies, enabling interoperability at all levels.
“For Cope Thunder 26-1, the PAF deployed its Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH fighter jets while PACAF sent its premier stealth fighter, the F-22 ‘Raptor,’” says PAF Col. Christina Basco, PAF Public Affairs chief. “During the exercise, FA-50PHs and F-22 'Raptors' will focus on enhancing tactical-level skills and advanced fighter operations.”
Subject Matter Expert exchanges were key events throughout the exercise, enabling U.S. and Philippine Airmen in similar career fields to share best practices and effective techniques aimed at improving day-to-day operations for both forces. These exchanges included radio technology and communication, counter IED operations, and combatives training with U.S. and Philippine service members.
"Exercises like Cope Thunder ensure that we are ready not only to respond to challenges, but to deter them.,” says Mallory. “These challenges build confidence, improve coordination, and reinforce the principles that keep the Indo-Pacific free and open.”
After nearly two weeks of counter air operations, air defense tactics and SME exchanges, the final step was a comprehensive review of events, sharing successes and things to improve in future iterations. Participants also celebrated the ongoing benefit of enhancing interoperability between the two forces, contributing to deterrence and our nation's shared interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2026 20:17 |
| Story ID: | 563034 |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S.-Philippine Airmen Conclude Cope Thunder 26-1, by SSgt Jordan Garner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
