A joint exercise between Indian Air Force and US Air Force- COPE INDIA 2018- was held in West Bengal recently.
About
COPE INDIA 2018 is a US Pacific Air Forces-sponsored field training exercise designed to improve mutual cooperation between the two nations.
This is the fourth iteration of the exercise conducted by the two militaries.
It took place for the first time in 2004 as a fighter training exercise at Air Force Station Gwalior. Similar exercises were held in 2005, 2006 and 2009.
The airmen were trained in a range of missions, including subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises.
It is a long-standing bilateral US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)-sponsored Field Training Exercise (FTX), conducted with the IAF, focused on enhancing US-Indian mutual cooperation and building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment.
The U.S. complement includes 200 U.S. Airmen with 15 aircraft from the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, and 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard.
The Indian side is being represented by Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, C-130J, as well as AWACS. The Special Forces from the both the USAF and IAF are also taking part in the exercise.
The exercise showcases US and India’s efforts and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The restarting of the Cope India exercises suggests that U.S.-India military exercises are likely to increase in scope and intensity in the coming years.