U.S. and Indian Air Forces train together

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U.S. and Indian Air Forces train together

 

By 1st Lt. Eric Badger 3rd Wing Public Affairs

2004-02-18

 

GWALIOR AIR FORCE STATION, India – The first bilateral dissimilar air combat exercise between the U.S. Air Force and the Indian Air Force in more than 40 years began here with F-15C aircraft and approximately 150 airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

 

Dissimilar Air Combat Training, otherwise known as DACT, is simulated combat flying between two different types of aircraft. Indian Air Force aircraft participating in the exercise include the Mirage 2000, MiG-21, MiG-27 and SU-30.

 

“Cope India '04 will afford each Air Force the opportunity to enhance and mature operational understanding and set the basis for future cooperation,” said Col. Greg Neubeck, 3rd Operations Group deputy commander and U.S. Deployed Forces commander. “The exercise is a tremendous training opportunity. The more we understand each other’s methods the better we’ll be prepared to operate in any future joint operation.

 

"We are already far along in cultivating common bonds and fostering goodwill between our two Air Forces. The IAF is a gracious host and their hospitality has been overwhelming,” he said.

 

Elmendorf is providing aircrews, maintainers, communications, security and logistical support for the exercise. A tanker/airlift control element team from Travis AFB, Calif., is also here supporting the exercise. As host, the Indian Air Force is providing facilities, fuel, airspace and security, plus numerous professional exchange opportunities.

 

Senior Airman Joel Mejia, TALCE aerial port journeyman, says his first trip to India has already been exciting and educational.

 

“I love the warm weather here and the people are so friendly,” he said. “The food is spicy, but it’s just right for me. I love it.”

 

According to Senior Airmen Mejia, the chance to meet and work with people from a different culture has been the most valuable portion of the deployment.

 

“While working with the Indian Air Force, I found that even though we are from different parts of the world, we are all the same,” he said.

 

Gwalior Air Force Station, located approximately 10 miles from the city of Gwalior in North Central India, is one of the oldest Indian Air Force bases in South Asia. The air force station is the center hub of operational training, testing and national-level exercises and includes the only IAF electronic warfare range that aids new pilots in aircraft familiarization.

 

Gwalior’s Air Officer Commanding Air Commodore SP Rajguru said during the exercise in-brief that Cope India “provides an excellent opportunity to understand each other’s operations and maintenance philosophy.”

 

The exercise continues through Feb. 25. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)

TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; Click to Add Topic

KEYWORDS: INDIA; SOUTHASIA; Click to Add Keyword

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1 posted on 02/18/2004 11:19:09 AM PST by milestogo

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milestogo

When I saw that headline, my first thought was that maybe the Apaches hadn't all surrendered after all...

2 posted on 02/18/2004 11:26:06 AM PST by Redbob

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milestogo

My dad was stationed in India in the CBI Campaign.

3 posted on 02/18/2004 11:26:11 AM PST by Eric in the Ozarks

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milestogo

How does the Sikh pilot, get his flight headgear over his turban?

4 posted on 02/18/2004 11:27:13 AM PST by truth_seeker

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Eric in the Ozarks