2009-10-19 11:05:25 - Yudh Abhyasor called Cope India 2009 begins today at Agra to enable the two forces to know about the intricacies of the logistics and high tech special mission aircraft from both sides.

India and the United States Air Force on Monday started their six days of joint excercise.
The two biggest democracies in the world are to display their air prowess.

Today at the inaugural of the 6-day joint exercises at Agra Air Base Group Captain Mathews Mammen briefed the reporters, gave the details of the exercise.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing their knowledge levels.

In his opening remarks, the US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer said that a strong strategic relationship between the United States and India is crucial to address regional security challenges.

Indian to field IAF one IL-76 Gajraj, four AN-32 Sutlej, two MI-17 Pratap, and one Chetak Alouette III aircraft for the exercise and US airplane includes a massive American C-17

Globemaster-III and a C-130J Super Hercules.

India and Oman will conduct their first joint air exercises, code named Eastern Bridge, Oct. 22-29 at the Royal Air Force of Oman base at Thumrait. The Indian Air Force will field six single-seat, Darin-I Jaguars alongside Omani Jaguars and F-16s.

The India Air Force will also involve two IL-78 MKI air-to-air refueler aircraft for tanking the Jaguars en route to Oman and an IL-76 will airlift air warriors to Oman. The main Indian contingent will comprise 33 officers and 65 personnel below officer rank, while the support team of IL-76 and IL-78 MKI include an additional 12 officers and 26 others.

"The exercise in the gulf region will enhance understanding of operational, maintenance and administrative procedures between RAFO and the IAF. The bilateral exercise would also be cost-effective in terms of benefit realization of operational and tactical preparedness over an unknown mixed terrain of land and desert," says an Oct. 14Indian Defence Ministry release .