US F-15s, B-1B Bombers And India's Su-30 MKI, Tejas To Engage In Wargames In Bengal's Kalaikunda

After Aero India 2023 in February, the US is once again showcasing its airpower by fielding aircraft like F-15 fighter jets and B-1B Bombers that will engage in wargames with India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI and homegrown Tejas warplanes during the second phase of Exercise Cope India-23, which will take place at the Indian Air Force’s Kalaikunda base in West Bengal.

The first phase began Monday, which took place in Panagarh, West Bengal, where both sides fielded their respective fleet of C-130J and C-17 aircraft.

The second phase will begin Thursday and will conclude on April 24. This is the first time B-1B Bombers have been deployed to India for joint exercises. 

“This segment of the exercise will witness participation of B1B bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF). F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. The Indian Air Force (IAF) element will include the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft,” the Air Force said in a statement issued Wednesday.

READ | Cope India-23: Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions, India-US Air Exercise Begins In West Bengal's Panagarh

It also said that the exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers — Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft — of the IAF.

“Like the air mobility component of the Ex Cope-India -23, this phase will also help enhance professional relations between the two air forces, while sharing the best practices between them,” it added.

Exercise Cope India-23 Message Is 'One Of Interoperability'

On Tuesday, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, visited the Kalaikunda Air Force Station. He flew a training mission in an IAF Su-30MKI. He also held interactions with Air Marshal SP Dharkar, AOC-in-C of IAF's Eastern Air Command and the exercise participants. 

“We have an opportunity not only to show the aircraft (B1) in public, the crew have an opportunity to train with one another and incorporate the bombers into the scenarios so that everybody on all sides has a chance to see how they operate and we can improve our tactics, techniques and procedures,” Gen. Wilsbach told reporters.

He added, “Message is one of interoperability and the two Air Forces working together.”

While in Delhi, Gen. Wilsbach called on Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari to discuss further enhancement of cooperation between the two air forces.

Personnel from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force will also observe the exercise and interact with the two participating air forces, the Air Force said.