Air Forces of India and US began their 12-day joint exercise “Ex Cope India-2018” in West Bengal.

Key Facts

• It is fourth edition in series of bilateral joint exercise held by Air Forces of two nations conducted in India.
• This year for first time exercise will be held at two Air Force bases in West Bengal’s Kalaikunda and Panagarh.
• This edition of exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure to air force personnel of both countries and undertake mutual exchange of best practices for enhancing operational capability.
• It will be focused on enhancing US-Indian mutual cooperation and building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment.
• It will showcase US and India’s efforts and commitment to free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• US Air Force is participating with 12 F15 C/D, 3 C-130. Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating with Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, C-130J and AWACS aircraft.

Background

• Cope India is series of international Air Force exercises between Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) conducted on and over Indian soil.
• The first such exercise was conducted at IAF air force station in Gwalior from February 2004.
• The exercise included flight tests, practice and demonstrations as well as lectures on subjects related to aviation.
• 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.
• The exercise was repeated in 2005, 2006, 2009 and was last held in 2010.