Exercise Cope India 2023 : Kalaikunda

During the ongoing Ex Cope India, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach Commander, Pacific Air Forces visited AF Stn Kalaikunda yesterday.

He flew a training mission in an IAF Su-30MKI. He also interacted with Air Marshal SP Dharkar, AOC-in-C of IAF's Eastern Air Command & the exercise participants.

The next phase of the Exercise Cope India 23 will commence at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April 2023. This segment of the exercise will witness participation of B1B bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF). F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. The Indian Air Force (IAF) element will include the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft. The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF. The exercise will conclude on 24 April 2023.

Like the air mobility component of the Ex Cope-India -23, this phase will also help enhance professional relations between the two air forces, while sharing the best practices between them. Personnel from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force will also observe the exercise and interact with the two participating air force.