Exercise Cope India [UPSC Notes]

Exercise Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Air Station Gwalior, India. 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. The exercise focuses on enhancing U.S – Indian mutual cooperation by building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment. In this article, you will learn about Exercise Cope India, an important for the  IAS exam, especially the IR segment.

Exercise Cope India

Exercise Cope India is a bilateral joint air exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF).

• The India-US air exercise, which began in 2004, has grown over the years exponentially and will now see greater interoperability between India and the US as far as the fighters are concerned. 
• The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the IAF and the USAF and share their best practices.
• The exercise showcases US and India’s efforts and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Read more on India – US relations in the linked article.

Exercise Cope India 2023

Exercise Cope India 2023 is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal) and Agra (Uttar Pradesh). The war games between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) are being 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.

• The opening phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces from both air forces.
• Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J as well. The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who will participate in the capacity of observers.
• The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) participated in Cope India as an observer for the first time in December 2018 based on the Agreement of Defence Ministerial Meeting on August 20, 2018.
• The second segment of the exercise will witness the participation of B1B Bombers and also the F15 Aircraft of the USAF.
• The IAF will deploy a number of frontline platforms including Rafale, Sukhoi 30 MKI, Tejas and Jaguars during the exercise. 
• The IAF will also deploy its other military assets like aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and control aircraft for the exercise.
• Cope India 2023 is scheduled to be held from the 13th to the 24th of April 2023.

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