During the Cope Thunder 2023-2, air operations exercise held on July 8, 2023, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) joined forces in a Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) exercise.
PAF FA-50 Golden Eagle and USAF F-22 Raptor (photo : USAF)
The PAF deployed four FA-50 aircraft, while the USAF contributed four A-10 Warthogs and four F-22 Raptors. The exercise commenced with the aircraft taking off from Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and conducting simulated DCA operations in the Military Training Areas East of Luzon.
The objective of the defensive counter-air exercise is to enable coordinated air operations among aircraft of different types, encompassing airspace control, threat identification and engagement, and mutual support.
The line-up consists of four (4) FA-50PH and two (2) A-29B Super Tucano from PAF and five (5) A-10 Warthogs from USAF (photo : PAF)
Through this collaborative endeavor, the participating forces aimed to enhance their interoperability, refine tactical approaches, and bolster their overall effectiveness in countering airborne threats.
(PAF)