PAF’s FA-50s fly Cope Thunder sorties

CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga — The Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fleet is fully operational and participating in bilateral exercises following the lifting of a grounding order on 25 March.

“Our FA-50s are now operational and taking part in Cope Thunder 25-1,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said Monday at the launch of the air drills with the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

She said the aircraft underwent comprehensive technical inspections and were declared airworthy.

The exercises run from 7 to 18 April at training sites in Northern Luzon, including Clark and Basa air bases in Pampanga, and Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac.

The PAF deployed 729 personnel and aircraft including FA-50PHs, A-29B Super Tucanos and Black Hawk and S-76A helicopters. PACAF sent 250 personnel and 12 F-16s.

The drills include aerial maneuvers, tactical intercepts, and close air support, as well as cyber, logistics, maintenance and medical exchanges. An international observer program features delegations from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Japan and Indonesia.