In the midst of a conflict between Russia and the US-backed Ukraine, the Indian, and US Air Forces will hold wargames at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal beginning April 10. “A squadron of the US Air Force’s F-15 Strike Eagle fighter aircraft will arrive at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal for the Cope India series of wargames,” senior IAF officials told ANI. The Indian side would be represented by Su-30MKIs as well as other combat aircraft from other modern fleets. The LCA Tejas may also be used during the exercise to demonstrate the ‘Made in India’ aircraft.
War Games 2023
The US Air Force contingent expected to arrive for the exercise will be from the American military’s Pacific Command, which coordinates with India in the Indo-Pacific region. The participation of the F-15 fighter aircraft in the exercise is significant because it is one of the contenders for the Indian Air Force’s planned competition for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.
According to reports, the Indian Air Force will also participate in the exercise with its airborne early warning aircraft and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. The Indian Air Force has recently participated in a number of multinational exercises, including EX Desert Flag in the UAE and Ex Cobra Warrior in the United Kingdom.
Significance of War Games 2023
The exercise aimed to improve US-Indian mutual cooperation by leveraging existing capabilities, aircrew tactics, and force deployment. Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise at the Indian Air Station in Gwalior. In addition to fighter-training exercises, the exercise has evolved to include subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training, and large-force exercises.
The wargame’s most recent edition took place in 2019. The US has also been working to strengthen military ties with Indian forces, particularly the Air Force and Army, which have traditionally used Russian-made equipment.
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