Defense News in Brief: U.S.-Philippine Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Thunder 25-2

Source: United States Airforce

PACAF participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a unique platform that integrates U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhances interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements.

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —

U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a bilateral training conducted across multiple locations in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to strengthen partnerships and support the Philippine Air Force’s modernization efforts, promoting regional and global stability.

Established in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Cope Thunder 25-2 also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II squadron has deployed to the Philippines.

“It’s obvious that this isn’t a relationship that’s simply on paper,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, 421st Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’ve been integrating with them for a long time, and their mentality and approach to operations is very similar to ours.”

Subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise enabled 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 maintenance, firefighting, airfield operations, electromagnetic warfare and basic fighter manoeuvres with U.S. and Philippine pilots flying side by side.

U.S. Air Force maintainers, assigned to the 421st Mission Generation Force Element, depart the flightline after conducting preflight operations on an F-35A Lightning II during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The exercise enhances interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force and supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) — U.S. Air Force maintainers, assigned to the 421st Mission Generation Force Element, depart the flightline after conducting preflight operations on an F-35A Lightning II during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The exercise enhances interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force and supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Arnaldo Puente Mendez, 421st Mission Generation Force Element aerospace ground equipment maintainer, briefs Philippine Air Force airmen on a self generating nitrogen servicing cart during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 9, 2025. During the subject matter expert exchange, U.S. Airmen provided valuable insight into equipment used for aircraft maintenance, supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Arnaldo Puente Mendez, 421st Mission Generation Force Element aerospace ground equipment maintainer, briefs Philippine Air Force airmen on a self-generating nitrogen servicing cart during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 9, 2025. During the subject matter expert exchange, U.S. Airmen provided valuable insight into equipment used for aircraft maintenance, supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico (2nd left) and Capt. Toney Fisher (right), 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A pilots, coordinate flight plans with Philippine Air Force pilots during the Cope Thunder 25-2 exercise at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The training conducted between the U.S. and Philippine Air Force strengthens both the ability to respond together for potential future crises, contingencies and natural disasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) (Image blurred for operational security) — U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico, second to the left, and Capt. Toney Fisher, right, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A pilots, coordinate flight plans with Philippine Air Force pilots during the Cope Thunder 25-2 exercise at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The training conducted between the U.S. and Philippine Air Force strengthens both the ability to respond together for potential future crises, contingencies and natural disasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) (Image blurred for operational security)

“We worked closely with the PAF pilots, and it was clear they are professional and highly capable aviators that employ their weapon systems with skill and precision,” said Capt. Tobey Fisher, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A instructor pilot. “Additionally, this exercise afforded the 421st MGFE the opportunity to operate at a remote airfield with minimal support.”

The F-35A maintenance team supported Cope Thunder 25-2 with a lean, agile team, operating with roughly one-third of the personnel they typically have at their home station.

“It’s really cool to see such a small team come here and execute the mission,” said Maj. Clinton Bialcak, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron commander, referring to executing the F-35 maintenance mission. “I think everyone in the region, in the world and in the Department of Defense sees that we can do it and they can rely on us.”

The U.S. Air Force’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with regional allies and partners.