Cope India 2023: India, US Conclude Joint Air Combat Exercises

The India and United States Air Force joint air exercise, 'Cope India 2023' concluded on Monday (24 April), at Kalaikunda Air Force base in West Bengal.

A majestic display of aerial maneuvers by Tejas, Rafales, F-15 Strike Eagles, of the IAF and USAF marked the end of the exercise. A total of 24 fighters from the two air forces along with eight transport aircrafts, and two force multipliers took part in the exercise.

The exercise commenced on April 10 and was conducted in two phases. The first phase was conducted at Air Force Station Arjan Singh (Panagarh) as well as Kalaikunda and Agra Air Force Base, where the main focus was on air mobility and special forces.

The second phase was held at Kalaikunda and saw air combat training. The exercise was also attended by observers from Japanese Self-Defence Air Force, as well.

About 564 personnel from both air forces took part in the exercise. The USAF participated in the exercise with F-15 Strike Eagles, C-17 Globemaster-III, MC-130J and for the first time in India B-1B Bombers.

The IAF, on the other hand, participated with Rafales, Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguar and Tejas fighters, C-17 and C-130J transporters, Phalcon and EMB-145 Netra Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS).

"The bilateral air force training exercise is focused on Indo-US cooperation through exchange of air combat employment philosophy, enhancing existing capabilities and mutual understanding of force employment," IAF Group Captain Neeraj Jhamb said addressing the reporters.

Jhamb, who is also the exercise director added, "Cope India 2023 is special as it involved first-time participation of IAF's Rafale aircraft and Tejas, and USAF's F15-E Strike Eagle fighters". 

"Last two weeks witnessed intense flying operations by fighters, transport aircrafts and force multipliers," Jhamb said adding that "multiple missions were flown together to enhance within visual range and beyond visual range combat employment in large force package". 

Kalaikunda Air Force Station Commanding officer, Air Commodore Ran Singh said that the joint air exercise has provided an opportunity for both countries to learn from each other and improve military capabilities.