US Air Force F-35s Conduct Maiden Flight from the Philippines During the Cope Thunder Military Exercise
U.S. F-35As Debut in Cope Thunder Exercise with Philippine Air Force
The Philippines has seen a significant boost in its military training exercises, with the recent inclusion of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets in the Cope Thunder exercises. This development marks the first time the U.S. Air Force has operated F-35s from the Philippines.
The F-35As were based out of Basa Air Base in the Philippines, and their presence was announced during the Cope Thunder Philippines 25-2 exercise in July 2025. The exercise, which ran from July 7 to July 18, focused on the northern Luzon region of the Philippines, the area closest to Taiwan.
The F-35As flew alongside FA-50 jets, A-29 light attack planes, and helicopters from the Philippine Air Force, marking a significant milestone in their joint defense exercises. This was the first time the Philippine Air Force flew alongside U.S. F-35s.
The Cope Thunder exercises aim to facilitate bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force, enhancing Alliance readiness and combined interoperability among participating forces. The 2025 iteration, involving over 2,500 personnel, was part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S.-Philippines defense cooperation and interoperability, highlighting the strategic partnership against regional security challenges, especially amid increasing Chinese military activities.
The history of F-35A operations from the Philippines in Cope Thunder exercises is very recent, beginning in 2025. The U.S. Marine Corps sent F-35B fighters to train out of Clark Air Base in 2024, but the F-35As' deployment in 2025 marked a new era in the exercises.
This month's Cope Thunder exercise is one of several exercises the U.S. Air Force is flying in across the Pacific this summer. Images shared by PACAF show U.S. and Filipino Airmen sharing expertise on various topics such as airfield management, maintenance, and refueling.
Interestingly, the Philippines has been increasing its ties to Taiwan in a significant departure from past policy. The Washington Post reported earlier this week that the Philippines is quietly increasing its ties to Taiwan. This development, coupled with the increased military presence and exercises, underscores the growing strategic partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.
The Air & Space Forces Association, an organization that honors and supports Airmen, Guardians, and their families, is associated with this article. The association's support is a testament to the importance of these exercises in strengthening military ties and enhancing readiness.
In March 2023, American F-22s landed at Clark Air Base for the first time, another significant milestone in the U.S.-Philippines military relationship. As these exercises continue, it is clear that the partnership between the two countries is growing stronger, bringing with it increased security and stability in the region.
- The space force's role in safeguarding both nations' interests might be crucial during future Cope Thunder exercises, given the proximity of the northern Luzon region to space-critical regions like Taiwan.
- The aerospace industry has been emphasizing the financial implications of these joint exercises, as their success could spur further investments in defense and military aircraft, like the F-35As.
- The Philippine Air Force is seeking to expand its defense capabilities, and this could lead to potential collaborations with the U.S. Air Force's space force, given the increasing importance of satellites and space technology in modern warfare.
- The growing defense partnership and joint exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines should spark new opportunities for both air force and aerospace industries to collaborate on the development and maintenance of aircraft, including F-35s and FA-50 jets.
