U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 25th Fighter Squadron landed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines on December 6, 2024, to participate in integrated training exercises with the Philippine Air Force.
The exercises, running through December 15, aim to enhance the capabilities of both nations’ pilots and maintenance teams while strengthening their ability to work together.
The training underscores the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and highlights their shared commitment to maintaining regional stability. Through these collaborative activities, both forces aim to refine operational readiness and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
“Pacific Air Force’s Dynamic Force Employment deployments enhance combined lethality by prioritizing the capacity and capabilities for major combat operations while being strategically predictable but operationally unpredictable in an ever-evolving competitive and contested environment,” the U.S. Air Force said in a release. The statement emphasized the importance of routine training and engagements in fostering regional security and operational readiness.
The A-10 Thunderbolt, known for its durability and versatility, is a critical asset for close air support missions. Its deployment to the Philippines serves as a platform for both forces to practice integrated tactics and maintenance procedures. These exercises offer an opportunity to increase interoperability between the two air forces, ensuring they are better prepared for cooperative missions in the future.
This training event is part of a broader U.S. effort to deepen defense cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific region.