IAF to hold war-games with US Air Force

New Delhi: Amid an ongoing confrontation between Russia and the US-backed Ukraine, the Indian Air Forces will hold war-games with US Air Force at the Kalaikunda air station in West Bengal on April 10.

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.

Su-30MKIs and other combat aircraft fleets would represent the Indian side, while a squadron of the US Air Force's F-15 Strike Eagle fighter aircraft will be arriving at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal for the Cope India series of wargames, said an Indian Air Force Officer.

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.