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COPE INDIA 2004 is the first dissimilar air combat training exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in more than 40 years. Here, two IAF SU-30K Flankers and two Mirage 2000 aircraft fly with two USAF F-15 Eagles during the exercise.
Photo courtesy of the USAF |
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Exercise COPE INDIA 2004, the first bilateral dissimilar air combat exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in more than 40 years, took place at Gwalior Air Force Station (AFS), India, in February 2004. Located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the city of Gwalior in North Central India, Gwalior AFS is one of the oldest IAF bases in South Asia. It is the hub of operational training, testing, and national-level exercises. It has the only IAF electronic warfare range used to aid new pilots in aircraft familiarization.
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An Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 taxis into position at Gwalior Air Force Station (AFS), India, following an exercise sortie.
Photo by TSgt. Keith Brown, USAF |
The exercise focused on improving interoperability between the two air forces. “COPE INDIA 2004 will afford each air force the opportunity to enhance and mature operational understanding and set the basis for future cooperation,” said USAF Col. Greg Neubeck. “The exercise is a tremendous training opportunity. The more we understand each other’s methods the better we’ll be prepared to operate in any future joint operation. We are already far along in cultivating common bonds and fostering goodwill between our two air forces. The IAF is a gracious host and their hospitality has been overwhelming.”
In addition to aircrews, the IAF provided facilities, fuel, airspace, and security, plus numerous professional exchange opportunities. About 150 USAF airmen participated in the exercise including a tanker/airlift control element team. The USAF also provided communications, security, and logistical support for the exercise. “We’ve agreed to use U.S. communication terms during radio calls throughout the air engagements since the Indian Air Force will be participating in Cooperative COPE THUNDER exercise later this year,” noted USAF Capt. Mark Snowden. The Indian airmen plan to take fighter, tanker, and airlift aircraft plus a man-portable air-defense team and ground controllers to the annual multilateral exercise in Alaska run by the [U.S.] Pacific Air Forces.
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Indian Air Force Wg. Cmdr. U. Rakhura prepares U.S. Air Force Capt. Pete Fesler for an SU-30K Flanker flight during COPE INDIA 2004.
Photo courtesy of the USAF |
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Maj. James Law, USAF, is a Public Affairs Officer assigned to Headquarters, U. S. Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. 1st Lt. Eric Badger, USAF, is assigned to the Office of Public Affairs, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
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