US-Philippines Cope Thunder sets return to Basa Air BaseU.S. Air Force Capt. MANILA, Philippines — The United States and Philippine air forces will begin Cope Thunder 26 on April 6, with primary flight operations over Basa Air Base in Pampanga, according to the Pacific Air Forces. What came beforeIn 2024, the first Cope Thunder held in the Philippines after the exercise’s return ran from April 8 to 19, also with primary flight operations over Basa Air Base. Under Marcos, Cope Thunder did not just return, it also expanded. In 2025, one iteration of the exercise ran from April 7 to 18 across Basa Air Base, Clark Air Base and Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, taking a broader training footprint in Northern Luzon.

Source: Philippine Star April 02, 2026 05:37 UTC