As the conflict between Russia and the US-backed Ukraine continues, the Air Forces of India and the US will hold war games at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal from April 10.
“A squadron of F-15 Strike Eagle fighter planes from the US Air Force will arrive at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal for the Cope India series of wargames,” senior IAF officials said. “The Indian side would mostly use its Russian-made Sukhoi-30 jets.”
They said that the Indian side would be represented by the Su-30MKIs and other modern combat planes from other fleets.
The LCA Tejas may also be used in the exercise to show that it was made in India.
The group of US Air Force members coming to the exercise is likely to come from the US military’s Pacific command, which works with India in the Indo-Pacific region.
The F-15 fighter plane’s participation in the exercise is important because it is one of the contenders for the Indian Air Force’s planned competition for 114 multi-role fighter planes.
They also said that the Indian Air Force might send its airborne early warning aircraft and IL-78 mid-air refuelers to the exercise.
Recently, the Indian Air Force took part in several international exercises with the US. These included the EX Desert Flag in the UAE and the Ex Cobra Warrior in the UK.
The main goal of the field training exercise was to improve cooperation between the US and India by building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics, and use of force.
Cope India started in 2004 as a training exercise for fighter pilots at India’s Air Station Gwalior.
In addition to fighter training, the exercise now includes subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training, and large-force exercises.
The last time the game was played was in 2019.
The US has also been trying to get closer military ties with the Indian Air Force and Army, which have mostly used equipment made in Russia in the past.
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