US Military F-35 Fighters Conduct Maiden Flight over Philippines during Cope Thunder Military Exercise
US F-35s Operate from the Philippines for First Time in Major Exercise
The Philippines played host to a significant military event this month as the United States Air Force (USAF) deployed F-35 stealth fighters for the first time ever during the latest edition of the Cope Thunder exercise. The exercises, held from July 7-18, 2025, were based out of Basa Air Base and involved over 2,500 personnel, including 2,300 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
Images shared by PACAF showed US and Filipino Airmen sharing expertise on various aspects, including airfield management, maintenance, and refueling. The focus of the exercises was on the northern Luzon region of the Philippines, which is closest to Taiwan.
The deployment of the F-35s is a symbol of the deepening defense alliance under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows US access to Philippine bases for joint training and operations. This reinforces the Philippines’ role as a frontline state in regional security and signals Manila’s increasing integration into US deterrence planning against China.
The presence of the F-35s enabled Philippine pilots to familiarize themselves with advanced US technology, thereby enhancing joint operational capabilities. During the exercises, the F-35s flew alongside FA-50 jets, A-29 light attack planes, and helicopters from the Philippine Air Force.
The operation demonstrates Washington’s intent to stress-test forward combat readiness in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in contested areas like the West Philippine Sea, where US and Philippine forces conducted joint patrols during the drills. This move acts as a tangible form of deterrence amid China’s maritime assertiveness, aiming to preserve a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
The Philippines continues to expand access to US forces, strengthening the US military posture near China and signaling a robust commitment to collective security in the region. Despite Beijing’s opposition, this strategic intensification of the US-Philippines defense partnership reflects a regional balancing amid growing tensions with China.
In the past two weeks, the USAF has sent forces to Talon Shield and Talisman Sabre, bilateral exercises with Australia. Meanwhile, Clark Air Base has been a location for US Marine Corps F-35B fighters to train, and American F-22s landed at Clark Air Base for the first time in March 2023.
The U.S. Air Force is participating in a series of exercises across the Pacific this summer, including the recently started Red Flag-Alaska session. The exercises are aimed at facilitating bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force and enhancing Alliance readiness and combined interoperability among participating forces.
Recent reports suggest that the Philippines is increasing its ties to Taiwan in a significant departure from past policy. The Washington Post reported this week about the Philippines quietly increasing its ties to Taiwan. The implications for US-Philippines relations are significant, as the deepening defense alliance under the EDCA reinforces Manila’s role as a frontline state in regional security and signals a robust commitment to collective security in the region.
In conclusion, the first deployment of F-35s to the Philippines during Cope Thunder reflects a strategic intensification of the US-Philippines defense partnership and contributes to regional balancing amid growing tensions with China. This move marks a significant step in the deepening US-Philippines military collaboration and underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
- The space force could potentially integrate advanced aircraft and space technology to enhance their defensive capabilities during joint operations, playing a crucial role in ensuring regional security.
- The aerospace industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased financing for research and development of military aircraft, facilitating the production of more sophisticated aircraft like the F-35.
- The deepening defense alliance between the US and the Philippines has led to increased strategic partnerships, including potential collaborations with Taiwan, to counter China's maritime assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The finance sector may begin to see increased investments in the defense sector, given the rising geopolitical tensions and the focus on building strong alliances and partnerships to maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
