US Air Force F-35 fighter jets conduct their inaugural flight from the Philippines during the joint military exercise known as Cope Thunder.
The skies over the Philippines have witnessed a significant change with the introduction of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets as part of the bilateral Cope Thunder 25-2 aerial combat exercise. On July 7, 2025, the U.S. Air Force deployed these fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Clark Air Base in Pampanga for the first time[1][2][3].
This deployment is a key component of a broader initiative to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Philippine air forces, symbolizing a significant leap in defense cooperation, particularly amid rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region[2][4]. The exercise, which took place in the northern Luzon region, involved more than 2,500 personnel, with approximately 225 from the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and 2,301 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF)[1][2].
The activities included simulated missions such as air superiority and close air support, reinforcing U.S. presence amid Chinese naval activities in the region[1][2]. The F-35As were based out of Basa Air Base and flew alongside FA-50 jets, A-29 light attack planes, and helicopters from the PAF[2][4]. This marked the first time that U.S. F-35As have flown out of the Philippines.
The F-35As' presence is a significant milestone, coming after the PAF's FA-50 fighters conducted joint drills with U.S. F-16s during Cope Thunder 25-1 in April 2025[4]. For Cope Thunder 25-2, the PAF's FA-50 jets and U.S. F-35s conducted coordinated sorties within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone[2][4].
The deployment and exercise highlight the deepening defense ties between the U.S. and the Philippines, with a focus on interoperability and bilateral defense cooperation[2][4]. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler emphasized the importance of maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and hinted at the strategic intent to deter aggression[2][4].
The Philippines is emerging as a key frontline state in the U.S.-China strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific[4]. The deployment of advanced U.S. military assets like the F-35A underscores the U.S. commitment to regional security and stability, particularly in the face of Chinese military activities[1][2].
In addition to the F-35A deployment, the U.S. Marine Corps sent F-35B fighters to train out of Clark Air Base in an unspecified year[4]. Moreover, images shared during the exercise show U.S. and Filipino Airmen sharing expertise on various topics, including airfield management, maintenance, and refueling[4].
The Philippines is also increasing its ties with the self-governing island of Taiwan, another potential flashpoint in the region[4]. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, it is clear that the U.S. is committed to countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific while further integrating the Philippines into U.S. regional defense strategies.
References: [1] The Washington Post. (2025, July 7). U.S. F-35s to join Philippine air exercises for first time. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-f-35s-to-join-philippine-air-exercises-for-first-time/2025/07/07/5884052c-7f32-11ed-a7a7-0e044550768a_story.html
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 7). U.S. F-35s take part in joint Philippine air exercises for first time. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-f-35s-take-part-joint-philippine-air-exercises-first-time-2025-07-07/
[3] CNN. (2025, July 7). U.S. F-35s join Philippine air exercises for first time. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/07/asia/us-philippines-f-35-exercise-intl/index.html
[4] The Diplomat. (2025, July 8). US F-35s Operate from the Philippines for First Time During Cope Thunder Exercise. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/us-f-35s-operate-from-the-philippines-for-first-time-during-cope-thunder-exercise/
- The deployment of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Clark Air Base marks a significant move in the defense industry, highlighting the deepening ties between the U.S. finance and the Philippine aerospace.
- The space where the F-35As flew along with PAF aircraft during the exercise falls under the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, demonstrating the joint defense cooperation between the two nations.
- The activities conducted during the Cope Thunder 25-2 exercise, such as air superiority and close air support, underscore the importance of enhancing the security of both countries, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region's rising tensions.
- The presence of advanced U.S. military assets like the F-35A in the region serves as a testament to the U.S. air force's commitment to providing security and maintaining stability, not only for the Philippines but also for the entire Indo-Pacific industry and finance.
