press releases 2005

November 7, 2005

U.S. and Indian Airmen Partner in Cope India ‘06

New Delhi — The U.S. and Indian Air Forces join for Cope India ’06 at Kalaikunda Air Station, West Bengal, India, November 7-19, marking 2002-2005 as the most active years of military-to-military exchange between the two countries in over 40 years.

The Pacific Air Forces sponsored event is the third Cope India exercise, but the first one featuring an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft in Cope India’s second Bilateral Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics Field Training Exercise.

The E-3, from Kadena Air Base, Japan, is capable of providing all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and other allied air defense forces. It’s joined by F-16 Fighting Falcons from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and a variety of IAF aircraft, including the Mirage 2000, MIG-21, MIG-29, SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft.

Cope India ‘06 will provide valuable training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, and enhance military-to-military relationships between the U.S. and Indian Air Forces. By conducting fighter operations together, the USAF and IAF are promoting cooperation and regional stability in the Asia-Pacific region. 

For more information contact PACAF Public Affairs at 808-448-3226 or e-mail pacaf.paops@hickam.af.mil.