Indian and US joint Air Force excercises
The Indian and United States airforces are participating in a 12-day joint exercise called ‘Cope India 2018’ at two air force stations in West Bengal. Cope India 2018 is the fourth edition in the series of bilateral joint exercises held between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force, which is conducted in India. The exercise are to be conducted between December 3rd till 14th, 2018.
The focus of the exercise is enhancing mutual cooperation between the US and India and building on the existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter-training exercises. The USAF is participating with 12 XF15C/D fighter plane and 3 XC-130 planes. The IAF is participating with the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, C-130J & AWACS aircraft. Approximately 200 US airmen with 15 aircraft from the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan and 182nd Airlift Wing, will be taking part in the exercise alongside their IAF counterparts.
The aim of the exercise is to provide operational exposure and undertake a mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing operational capability. First held in 2004, the exercise has evolved to incorporate subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter-training exercises. Follow Spotlife Asia for the latest news and updates.
The US and Indian air forces are enhancing their overall cooperation as part of deepening of defence and security ties between the two countries.
US President Donald Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to the nation as commander-in-chief last year, had laid out his South Asia policy saying a “critical part” of it was to further develop the USA’s strategic partnership with India.
US had designated India a “Major Defence Partner” intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.
