Ex Cope India-18: IAF Chief interacts with Indian, US forces

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa on Wednesday visited Air Force Station in Kalaikunda to interact with participating forces of the ongoing Ex Cope India 2018 between U.S Air Force (USAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Air Chief Marshal was received by Air Marshal R Nambiar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command and Air Cmde Saji Antony Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Kalaikunda.

The fourth edition of the Ex Cope India is aimed to provide operational exposure to the participating forces and mutual exchange of the best practices towards enhancing Indian Air Force capability.

USAF is participating with F-15, C-130 and the Indian side is participating with Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, C-130J, AWACS and AEW&C. Additionally, Special Forces from both the Air Forces are also participating in the exercise.

During his visit, the Chief of the Air Staff was briefed in detail about various phases of the exercise and was apprised of its progress. Post the briefing, the Air Chief Marshal visited the USAF and IAF detachment, wherein he interacted with the personnel of both the Air Forces. He was satisfied with the progress of the exercise and complimented all participants on their professional approach and conduct during the exercise, as per an official statement.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa emphasised on the importance of joint exercises as they create an environment of camaraderie and an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices in enhancing operational synergy.

Ex Cope India 2018 is a testimony of the growing Indo-US military relationship. In the past, the Indian Air Force has participated in International exercises with USAF including the Ex-Red Flag. Recently for the first time, the IAF had participated in Ex Pitch Black at Darwin, Australia in which 130 aircraft from 16 countries took part.