The United States has deployed its most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time, a move analysts say signals Washington’s intent to stress-test forward combat readiness in a region increasingly shaped by China’s maritime assertiveness.
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The arrival of the stealth jets for the Cope Thunder joint air drills – launched on Monday at Clark Air Base and running until July 18 – reflects a more tangible form of deterrence, experts say, as the Philippines becomes further integrated into America’s regional defence network.
More than 2,500 personnel – including 2,300 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces – are taking part in the exercise, which focuses on bilateral fighter integration and enhancing allied interoperability.
Lt Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, told reporters the decision to deploy the F-35s was meant to deepen collaboration with regional partners, adding: “A free and open Indo-Pacific is something that we enjoy but should not take for granted in the future years if we want to continue to deter any form of aggression.”
While the F-35 features cutting-edge technology including state-of-the-art sensors, Mussler stressed the exercise was about more than showcasing hardware.
“The F-35 is the cornerstone of the US forces and we have a strong relationship with the PAF. We look forward to strengthening the alliance and continuing to integrate,” he said.
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