Pacific Air Forces Commander calls on CAS, Def Secy

New Delhi: General Kenneth Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces Commander, called on the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, today in New Delhi on April 10, 2023. 

Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, is a major command of the U.S. Air Force and is the air component of the U.S. Pacific Command.

General Wilsbach also met Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi. 

Indian Air Force in a tweet said, during the talks, issues of mutual interest and means to further enhance cooperation between the two sides were discussed. 

The relationship between the United States (US) and India in the defence sector has proven to be one of their most resilient and high-value. Military exercises between India and the US, starting with the Malabar exercises in 1992, have also expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation. 

Meanwhile, Exercise Cope India 23,  joint air exercise between Indian Air Force and 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. 

The first phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.

According to the defence ministry, 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.

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