Cope Thunder has PH, US air forces doing fighter maneuvers

The air forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted basic fighter maneuvers in the latest iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 2024-1 at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

In a post in its official website and social media accounts, the Philippine Air Force on Thursday said PAF F/A-50PH Golden Eagle light combat aircraft engaged with USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters in flight integration training in the skies of Central Luzon.

The exercise aimed at enhancing pilot capabilities in aerial combat scenarios through tactical maneuvers and techniques.

According to the PAF, “basic fighter maneuvers or BFM emphasizes collaborative learning and interoperability between the two air forces.”

“Pilots engage in defensive and offensive maneuvers, such as basic fighter maneuvers, air combat maneuvers, and tactical intercepts, to sharpen their skills and enhance combat readiness,” 

Flight operations also included basic fighting maneuvers as the PAF prepares for its overseas training deployment to Australia in July for Pitch Black Exercise 2024.

The initial phase of this year’s Cope Thunder Philippines will concentrate on Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and field exercises in Air and Ground Operations. This includes logistics and mission support planning and execution which are necessary in large force deployment. —RF, GMA Integrated News