Exercise Cope India: UPSC Notes, IAS Exam Preparation - Testbook

Overview of Exercise Cope India

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

• The air exercise between India and the US, started in 2004, has since seen exponential growth. It now aims for increased interoperability between the two countries, especially concerning fighter aircraft.
• The exercise's primary objective is to foster mutual understanding between the IAF and the USAF and share their best practices.
• Exercise Cope India is a testament to the US and India's commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more insights, check out our article on India – US relations.

Exercise Cope India 2023

The upcoming Exercise Cope India 2023 will take place at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal), and Agra (Uttar Pradesh). This edition of the war games between the IAF and the USAF is particularly notable as it is resuming after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last edition was held in 2019.

• The exercise's opening phase will concentrate on air mobility, involving transport aircraft and Special Forces from both air forces.
• Both forces will deploy the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF also operating an MC-130J. The exercise will also see the participation of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew as observers.
• The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) first participated as an observer in Cope India in December 2018, following the Agreement of Defence Ministerial Meeting in August 2018.
• The exercise's second segment will feature the participation of B1B Bombers and F15 Aircraft of the USAF.
• The IAF will deploy several frontline platforms, including Rafale, Sukhoi 30 MKI, Tejas, and Jaguars.
• The IAF will also deploy other military assets like aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and control aircraft.
• Exercise Cope India 2023 is scheduled to take place from April 13 to 24, 2023.