The joint military aviation exercises of the Philippines and the USA called Cope Thunder.
began
According to the Filipino Information Agency (PNA), the representative of the Filippin Air Force, Colonel Consuelo Castillo, said that this year international observers from the Air Force Malayzia, Thailand, Australia, Japan and Indonesia first joined the exercises.
According to Castillo, the exercises organized by the Air Force of the Filippines (PAF) together with the Pacific command of the US Air Force (PACAF) are held in the city of Pamanga.
The Philippines sent 729 military personnel, as well as FA-50PH, A-29B SUPER TUCANO combat aircraft and S-76A and S70I models.
The United States involved 250 military and 12 F-16 fighters in the exercises.
Castillo noted that the exercises are concentrated on air exercises and the development of tactical actions in the field.
Cope Thunder exercises will last until April 18.
In addition, in the framework of the annual American-Philippine teachings Sabak (reduction from Salaknib and Balikatan) on March 24, the Salaknib phase, which will end on April 11
translated from local Salaknib languages means “shield”, and Balikatan – “shoulder to shoulder.”
During joint maneuvers, critical statements from China to the USA and the Philippines are periodically received.