Pilots from the 5th Fighter Wing of the Philippine Air Force, together with Hawker Hunter pilots from the US, performed Tactical Air Intercept (TAI) sorties at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on April 20, 2023. TAI is a crucial military operation that involves launching fighter aircraft to intercept unknown aircraft entering Philippine airspace and identify if any unauthorized aircrafts pose a threat. Handout, Philippine Air Force/File

The Philippine and US air forces kicked off joint exercises Monday aimed at boosting operational coordination and enhancing "strategic deterrence", Manila's military said.

The bilateral exercise, which will run until April 18, will involve 729 airmen from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 250 airmen from the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

The Philippines’ FA-50 lead-in trainer fighter aircraft will fly alongside the United States’ F-16 fighter jets during the exercise. The PAF will also use its A-29B Super Tucanos, S-76A and S70i Black Hawk helicopters during the exercise.

The drills follow months of confrontations between Bejing and Manila over disputed areas of the South China Sea, with significantly larger US-Philippine air, land and sea exercises set for late April.

"Enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness" would be central to the Cope Thunder exercise, Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura said Monday at a ceremony to launch the drills.

Military ties between the Philippines and United States have deepened since the 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos, with Manila pushing back on sweeping Chinese claims in the South China Sea that an international tribunal has ruled are without merit.

China tells US not to interfere in maritime issues with PH

The US State Department last week approved a long-mooted sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was "still in the negotiation phase".

Speaking at Monday's ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard said that "the pace of our alliance is accelerating".

Cope Thunder aims to enhance "asymmetric warfare capabilities", operational coordination and strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force.

"Further down the road, we look forward to the seamless transition to exercise Balikatan, which will continue to push the boundaries of our interoperability," Cordura added.

Beijing slams US-Japan South China Sea statement

Like the majority of Balikatan's planned activities, Cope Thunder will be conducted on northern Luzon island, the area of the Philippines closest to Taiwan.

As China encircled Taiwan with planes and ships in a simulated blockade last week, Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner warned troops that their country would "inevitably" be involved should the self-ruled island be invaded.

Beijing insists Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to forcefully bring under its control.

Philippines 'inevitably' involved if Taiwan invaded: AFP chief
Palace tells Filipinos in Taiwan to ‘stay put’ as China launches military drills

While Manila later said Brawner's comments were primarily referencing efforts to retrieve Filipino workers in Taiwan, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with Washington gives US forces access to nine bases in the country.

China floats battle barges in Taiwan invasion plans

One is a naval facility at Cagayan's Santa Ana about 400 kilometers from Taiwan.

During a recent visit to Manila, US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth said Washington was "doubling down" on its alliance with the archipelago nation.

"Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country -- considering the threats from the Communist Chinese," he said on March 28.

US, Philippines must stand 'shoulder to shoulder' in face of China threat: Hegseth

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER PROGRAM

For the first time, the PAF will host an International Observer Program (IOP) during Cope Thunder.

The program will involve the participation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), and Indonesia Air Force (IDAF).

The initiative aims to broaden the scope of the exercise, fostering greater collaboration and knowledge exchange among participating nations.

“An important highlight of this iteration is the IOP scheduled from April 10 to 11 at the Basa and Clark air bases,” Cordura said.

“We are honored to host these delegations. Their presence is a reminder that security is not the concern of one, but the responsibility of many,” he added.

PAF LIFTS GROUNDING OF FA-50 FLEET

The PAF has lifted the grounding of the 11 remaining FA-50 fighter jets, making the assurance that the aircraft are safe to fly.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the FA-50 fleet has been on “full operational status” since March 25.

“We have lifted the grounding. Right now, they [FA-50s] are participating in the Cope Thunder exercise,” Castillo told reporters.

“Our FA-50s have been inspected very well and went through a very thorough inspection. We have proven them airworthy,” she added.

Two PAF pilots died when their FA-50 lead-in trainer fighter jet crashed into Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon in March.

The aircraft was providing close air support to ground troops conducting an operation against members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Iba in Cabanglasan town when it lost communication with the rest of the flight.

The wreckage of the FA-50 fighter jet and the bodies of the two pilots were found the next day.

The Air Force has completed the investigation into the crash and will release the results “very soon”, Castillo said. 

PH awards ‘highest honors’ to Air Force pilots killed in Bukidnon crash

RELATED VIDEOS: