New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The Indian and US air forces will train together during exercise Cope India from Oct 15-24 at the Air Force Station Agra.
“This year’s Cope India will be an airlift exercise that focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission,” a US embassy statement said.

More than 150 US airmen, along with three C-130H Hercules, one C-130J Super Hercules and one C-17 Globemaster III will join Indian Air Force personnel with one IL-76, four AN-32s, two MI-17 helicopters and one Chetak for the exercise.

“Cope India participants will exchange airlift, and airdrop delivery techniques; participate in aero-medical and disaster management exercises and conduct cooperative flight operations,” the statement said.

“The exercise continues to strengthen the bond between the US and Indian air forces and will be the fourth instalment of Cope India,” the statement added.

According to US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer: “Cope India is a bold testament to the strong and growing relationship our two great countries share on strategic issues such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and national security.”

“As President Obama has said, Indians have no greater friend or partner than the people of the United States,” Roemer added.