The Indian and US air forces are scheduled to meet at Kalaikunda air base in India next week to recommence the Cope India air exercise, which aims to “further enhance the operational capability and interoperability between the two air forces.”
The bilateral exercise will occur from April 10 to 21, emphasizing training between fighters from both nations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy French Rafale fighters, Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, and Indian Tejas light fighters, along with AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) aircraft, strategic airlift C-17 Globemaster-III, and IL-78 in-flight tankers.
Cope India originated in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Gwalior Air Station in India. Over time, the exercise expanded to include subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training, high force exercises, and fighter training exercises. The previous edition of the exercise took place in 2019. However, due to COVID-19, the exercise was suspended for four years.
During the inaugural edition of the exercise, Indian pilots achieved an impressive kill ratio of 9:1 against USAF F-15Cs, dealing a blow to the American defense establishment.
American participants acknowledged the innovative and flexible tactics displayed by the Indian pilots. They admitted underestimating the training and tactics of their Indian counterparts. Instead of employing controlled ground interceptions in the conventional Cold War style, the Indian pilots utilized diverse combinations of aircraft, altitudes, and formations.
Indian air force planners never persisted with failed tactics or repetitive strategies that the United States easily countered. Furthermore, IAF airborne commanders adapted their tactics as opportunities arose. The American pilots also discovered that they were not solely up against India’s top pilots.
According to USAF F-15C fighter pilots who took part in the exercise, “the two most formidable aircraft in the IAF proved to be the MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded version of the Russian-made basic MiG-21, and the Su-30MK Flanker, also manufactured in Russia.”
This year, the Indian Air Force will receive US Air Force (USAF) F-15 Strike Eagle jets at Kalaikunda Air Base in West Bengal. The bilateral exercise will also involve the participation of Japan, which will act as an “observer.” The Cope India exercise will feature “air combat and mobility elements” operating from various air bases, including Kalaikunda, Panagarh, Agra, and Hindon.
The timing of the exercise, with the involvement of the F-15 fighter, holds significance as the F-15EX is one of the contenders in the planned competition for the Indian Air Force’s 114 multi-role fighter competition.
Notably, the Indian Air Force has participated in four overseas exercises. An IAF official stated that “the objective is to engage in various combat scenarios and learn from the best practices of different air forces. It helps us comprehend the latest advancements in the tactical and operational utilization of airpower.”
These exercises have also fostered interoperability and increased cooperation. Additionally, the IAF has demonstrated improved outreach across continents by collaborating with friendly nations for air-to-air tankers and pooling technical support equipment, the official added.
The upcoming military exercise holds significance as it occurs during a period when India is involved in a three-year military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, alongside the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India and the US regularly conduct various exercises, ranging from the bilateral “Yudh Abhyas” land combat exercise to the Malabar quadrilateral naval war games.