Cope India 23
Cope India 2023 (CI23) is a bilateral aerial exercises series between the Bharatiya Vayu Sena (IAF, Indian Air Force) and the USAF. The Cope India exercises began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Gwalior AFS (state of Madhya Pradesh) and have now returned since the last one that was held in 2018.
The exercise is being held at Kalaikunda AFS (state of West Bengal) and runs from 13 April till 24 April 2023. The exercise is being coordinated by the Tactics & Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), IAF's unit for training in aerial combat. This unit evolves tactical procedures for various types of aircraft, implements standard operating procedures and trains pilots in operational doctrines.
Cope India 2023 will witness participation of USAF B-1B Lancer bombers, F-15E Strike Eagles and C-130J-30 Super Hercules and MC-130J Commando II. The IAF element will include the Su-30MKI-3, Dassault Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft and C-130J-30 Super Hercules transporters. The exercise will be supported by aerial refueling aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF. Personnel from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) will observe the exercise and interact with the two participating air forces.
The exercise will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase practicing the air-mobility component involving transport aircraft of both countries, and the second phase of the exercise will witness the participation of the USAF bombers and fighter aircraft. CI23 is an important exercise at a critical time for both nations. Because of the recent Chinese activities related to Taiwan, the Strike Eagle unit - 336th Fighter Squadron Rocketeers - which recently deployed to Kadena (Japan) will have good experience in terms of defensive counter-air operations.
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The USAF participants are:
Details of the participating Indian Air Force units have not been reported.
Photos via Indian Air Force