“In October 2002, again in Agra, an air transport exercise named COPE INDIA 2002 developed a baseline for future interoperability that will lead to a fighter aircraft exchange. USAF personnel, on board Indian aircraft, observed the drop of Indian paratroopers and heavy equipment. Both air forces learned each other’s formation flying techniques. The Indians marked the difference in the way the Americans drop cargo with drag-parachutes and prepare drop zones. By the end of the exercise, Indian paratroops dropped from U.S. C-130 Hercules transporters.”
Exercise COPE INDIA 2002, the largest bilateral air transport exercise between 300 Indian Air Force (IAF) and nearly 150 U.S. Air Force (USAF) personnel, took place in October 2002 at India’s Agra Air Station. The 4th Wing, Indian Air Force, hosted the exercise.
Agra Air Base is one of the largest IAF bases in South Asia and the largest in India. Home to the Indian Army Airborne Training School, the base features several Russian-made aircraft including the An-32 and the Il-76. The sprawling base covers more than 3,400 acres (1,360 hectares) and has a population of 15,000.
“Our goal here is to increase the level of interoperability between the two air forces,” said USAF Col. Jeff LeVault, exercise director for U.S. forces. “Knowing what to expect from your friends and how they do business aids immeasurably in being able to get missions done together. In that sense, interoperability becomes a force multiplier. We have two of the world’s best air forces working toward a common understanding. Interoperability makes things easier. Since our two air forces haven’t done a lot of training together, these airlift exercises make full-blown operations possible.” |
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| Indian Air Force jumpmasters discuss a paratroop drop with USAF C-130E aircrew personnel. |
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| Indian Army paratroopers board a USAF C-130E for a troop drop near Air Force Station Agra, India. |
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