India & US Joint Air Exercise ‘Cope India 23’ kick-starts

New Delhi: Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) commenced today at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra on April 10, 2023. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices. 

Defence Ministry said in a statement, "The first phase of exercise has commenced today. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces."

 "Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well. The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who will participate in the capacity of observers," it added. 

The war-games, named Cope India, was 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.

However, the exercise is going to be held after a gap of four years since it had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last edition was held in 2019.

The timing of the exercise with its participation is also crucial in a way that F-15 fighter jet is one of the competitors in the Indian Air Force's planned competition for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.

India has participated in a number of international exercises in recent time, including Ex Cobra Warrior in the UK and EX Desert Flag in the UAE, in which the US also took part.

The US has also been trying to build closer military ties with India which has traditionally relied on Russia for defence equipment and weapons. The Pacific command of the US military coordinates with India in the Indo-Pacific sector as both nations strive to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.

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