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The Philippines
This Week in AsiaPolitics

F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific

Analysts say the advanced fighter jet’s deployment shows Manila’s deep integration into US deterrence planning in the region

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The Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 and Pacific Air Forces’ F-35 aircraft conduct a joint patrol exercise during the Cope Thunder drills on Monday. Photo: Philippine Air Force
Jeoffrey Maitem
The United States has deployed its most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time, a move analysts say signals Washington’s intent to stress-test forward combat readiness in a region increasingly shaped by China’s maritime assertiveness.
The arrival of the stealth jets for the Cope Thunder joint air drills – launched on Monday at Clark Air Base and running until July 18 – reflects a more tangible form of deterrence, experts say, as the Philippines becomes further integrated into America’s regional defence network.

More than 2,500 personnel – including 2,300 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces – are taking part in the exercise, which focuses on bilateral fighter integration and enhancing allied interoperability.

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Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, told reporters the decision to deploy the F-35s was meant to deepen collaboration with regional partners, adding: “A free and open Indo-Pacific is something that we enjoy but should not take for granted in the future years if we want to continue to deter any form of aggression.”

While the F-35 features cutting-edge technology including state-of-the-art sensors, Mussler stressed the exercise was about more than showcasing hardware.

American and Filipino Air Force officers pose with F-35 and FA-50 aircraft during the launch of Cope Thunder on Monday at Clark Air Base. Photo: Philippine Air Force
American and Filipino Air Force officers pose with F-35 and FA-50 aircraft during the launch of Cope Thunder on Monday at Clark Air Base. Photo: Philippine Air Force

“The F-35 is the cornerstone of the US forces and we have a strong relationship with the PAF. We look forward to strengthening the alliance and continuing to integrate,” he said.

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