The 15 days long bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) -- Exercise Cope India 23-- held at Air Force stations in Panagarh, Kalaikunda and Agra culminated on Monday. The two countries had sent some of their best aircraft to participate in the bilateral air exercise.

The two weeks long exercise also included the presence of the Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who participated in the capacity of observers.

The exercise emphasised improving understanding between parties about the tactical application of air power, fostering teamwork during combat operations, and developing knowledge of air operations in a large force package.

IAF Group Captain Neeraj Jhamb said, "The first exercise of Cope India was conducted at Gwalior Air Force station in 2004 and then it was conducted again in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2018. The exercise focuses on the exchange of air combat employment philosophy and mutual understanding of force employment.”

A total of 564 personnel from the Indian airforce and the United States Air Force (USAF) participated in the joint air exercise. India deployed aircraft like the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, LCA Tejas, Jaguars, C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Super Hercules, IL-76 AWACS and ERJ 145 AEW&C while the USAF deployed B1B Bombers, F-15E fighters, C-17 Globemasters, C-130J and MC-130 J.

The long-range B1B bombers and the F-15E fighter jets of the US Air Force were deployed for the first time. For the first time in Cope India, India also deployed its Rafales and Tejas aircraft.

Image Source: India Today