Exercise Cope India 23: India Air Force and US Air Force begin joint military drills

Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) began on Monday (April 10, 2023).

The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) aircrew, who are participating in the capacity of observers, India's Ministry of Defence said.

The exercise is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra. "The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices," the ministry pointed out.

The first phase of 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.

It is worth noting that India, US, and Japan also participate in the Malabar Naval Exercise along with Australia.

Earlier this year, India and Japan held the maiden air exercise Veer Guardian hosted by the JASDF from January 12-26, 2033. The IAF contingent participating in the air exercise, held at the Hyakuri Air Base in Japan, included four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters and one IL-78 tanker aircraft. The JASDF contingent deployed four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.

Exercise Cope India 23 is the latest in a series of bilateral and multilateral air exercises the IAF has taken part in during 2023.

In addition to Exercise Veer Guardian, the IAF had joined the multilateral Exercise Cobra Warrior hosted by Royal Air Force in the UK for the first time from March 6-24, 2023.

From February 27-March 17, 2023, the IAF participated in multilateral air drill 'Exercise Desert Flag' in the United Arab Emirates. The IAF contingent included five indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) along with two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.