Exercise Cope India 23

Exercise Cope India: Exercise Cope India 23 is a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF). Cope India Exercise is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Internal Security and related aspects of it).

Exercise Cope India in News

Bilateral air Exercise Cope India 23 featured the participation of various Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Rafale, SU-30MKI, and Jaguars, alongside United States Air Force (USAF) F-15 fighters and B-1B long-range bombers.

Exercise Cope India 23

Exercise Cope India 23 is a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF).

• Background: First launched in 2004 as a fighter training exercise at Air Station Gwalior, Cope India has since expanded its scope to include subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training, and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter training exercises. The exercise Cope India was last held in 2009.
• Venue: Cope India Exercise is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra.
• Mandate: The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
• Significance: By highlighting the joint efforts and dedication of the United States and India towards a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the exercise serves as a demonstration of their shared commitment.
  • In addition to promoting mutual understanding, Exercise Cope India will serve to strengthen the professional relationships between the Indian and United States Air Forces, as they exchange their best practices with each other.

Exercise Cope India 23 Phases

Exercise Cope India 23 was conducted in two phases. Details of Exercise Cope India phases are discussed below-

First Phase of Cope India 2023 Exercise

During the initial stage of the exercise, emphasis will be placed on air mobility, with participation from transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Indian and US Air Forces.

• The C-130J and C-17 aircraft will be deployed by both sides, with the USAF operating an additional MC-130J.
• Furthermore, Japanese Air Self Defense Force aircrew will be present in an observational capacity.

Second Phase of Cope India 2023

The second phase of Exercise Cope India 23 will take place at Air Force Station Kalaikunda from April 13, 2023.

• During this segment, United States Air Force (USAF) B1B bombers will participate, followed by F-15 fighter aircraft.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be represented by the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas, and Jaguar fighter aircraft, along with aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
• The exercise Cope India 2023 is scheduled to conclude on April 24, 2023.

TROPEX 2023 Exercise of Indian Navy Concluded