PAF Technicians Train on AIM-9 Missile Launcher Maintenance

09 Mei 2023

AIM-9 Sidewinder as primary armament of FA-50PH (all photos : PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) technicians got a briefing on AIM-9 missile launcher maintenance during subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) in the ongoing Cope-Thunder 23-1 exercises with the US Pacific Air Forces last May 4 to 5.

The AIM-9 is an American infrared homing air-to-air missile also known as the "Sidewinder". It is the primary armament of the FA-50PH light jet fighters along with its 20mm automatic cannons. "Sidewinder" is also among the air-to-air weapons of all US jet fighters.

"On May 4-5, 2023, the PAF's 5th Fighter Wing (FW) and the Pacific Air Forces engaged in various SMEE, during the Cope-Thunder 23-1 exercise held at Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base in Pampanga. Topics discussed include the AIM-9 missile launcher maintenance, mission planning cell (MPC) operations, communication security (COMSEC) organization, and the dedicated crew chief (DCC) program," Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement forwarded to reporters Monday.

The objectives of these SMEEs is to enhance the knowledge of PAF mission planners, communications operators and maintenance officers and personnel in the performance of their roles in various operations necessary for mission accomplishment, she added.

"Additionally, the 5th FW also engaged in defensive counter air training during the Cope-Thunder 23-1 exercise at Clark Air Base to enhance interoperability between forces and safeguard critical and protected assets in the Philippines," Castillo said.

Cope Thunder 23-1 also known as Ct-Ph 23-1, which runs from May 1 to 12, is aimed at coordinating the various offensive and defensive tactics of different aircraft.

The original Cope Thunder exercises, which provided regular flight training for US pilots and those of allied nations, were first held in 1976 and continued annually in the Philippines until 1990.

CT-Ph23-1 marks the revival of the bilateral exercise between the two Air Forces after more than three decades.

The second iteration of this air exercise, dubbed CT-Ph 23-2 will be held from July 2 to 21. 

(PNA)