Sixth edition of Cope India air exercise between India, US conclude

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) The sixth edition of Cope India-2023 air exercise between India and the US, that ended yesterday, saw the participation of frontline IAF aircraft like Rafale, Tejas, Su-30MKI, while the USAF fielded the F-15 ‘Strike Eagle’ fighter, and the B1B strategic bomber among other air craft.

The air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) was conducted over the last two weeks at Air Force Stations Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Agra.

The exercise involved participation of frontline IAF aircraft like Rafale, Tejas, Su-30MKI, Jaguar, C-17 and C-130. The USAF in turn had fielded the F-15 ‘Strike Eagle’ fighter, C-130, MC-130J, C-17 and the B1B, strategic bomber aircraft.

Aircrew from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force also participated as observers, a statement said.This joint exercise provided valuable opportunity for the participants of all countries to exchange ideas and imbibe best practices through interactions, exchanges and combined missions.Cultural exchanges were also organised during the exercise to reinforce the bond of friendship and camaraderie.

This exercise reaffirms the deep-rooted commitment to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the two Air Forces boosting the inter-nation cooperation between the two largest democracies, it said.