US Pacific Air Force Commander, Gen Kenneth S. Wilsbach flew in Russian fighter jet, Sukhoi (Su30MKI) at Kalaikunda air base of Indian Air Force (IAF) during Indo-US joint exercise, 'Cope India' (10-24th April) on Tuesday. Gen Wilsbach flew in a 'training mission' during the Cope India exercise, said IAF Spokesperson, Wg Cdr Ashish Moghe in an official statement here in Delhi.
The US Commander also interacted with Air Marshal SP Dharkar, AOC-in-C of IAF's Eastern Air Command & the exercise participants during his visit to Kalaikunda, India's air base in the state of West Bengal.
Gen Wilsbach is on official visit to India these days and had met IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in Delhi before visiting Kalaikunda. Its learnt Gen Wilsbach had shared details of shooting down Chinese baloon by US fighter jets with IAF top brass. The Chinese 'spying balloon' was on a surveillance mission in the US, claims denied by China though.
'Exercise Cope India 23', a bilateral air exercise between IAF and United States Air Force (USAF) is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra (Uttar Pradesh). The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
The first phase of Cope India exercise commenced on 10th April in Agra. This phase of the exercise focuses on air mobility and involves transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides have fielded the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well. The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who are participating in the capacity of observers.
The next phase of the Exercise Cope India 23 commences at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April. This segment of the exercise will witness participation of B1B bombers of the US Air Force. F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. IAF elements will include Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft. The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF.
With the Ukraine war still to end and Finland joining NATO, there has been tension between US and Russia which some experts believe is Cold War-Part 2. But the US commander flying in a Russian fighter jet was a sight to be seen. India operates more than 250 Sukhoi fighter jets and Su-30MKI are built in India with license from Russia.
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