A 10-day long combined exercise named “Exercise Cope South-2024”between Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and US Pacific Air Force began Monday.
According to the ISPR, BAF is arranging the exercise under the guidance of Bangladesh Armed Forces Division.
An opening ceremony was held at BAF Base Bangabandhu in connection with this exercise.
Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bangabandhu Air Vice Marshal Md Badrul Amin delivered the opening address.
Through conducting different activities, Exercise Cope South-2024 aims to enhance BAF capability as well as to ensure maximum utilization of BAF transport aircraft in combating disaster and natural calamities. One C-130J aircraft of BAF is taking part in this exercise along with two C-130J aircraft of Pacific Air Force, USA.
Besides, one AN-32 aircraft of BAF is kept ready to participate in the exercise. A total of 250 members of BAF and 78 members of Pacific Air Force, USA will be participating in Exercise Cope South-2024. In addition to 12 paratroopers from BAF, 30 paratroopers from Bangladesh Army and 40 paratroopers from Bangladesh Navy will also take part in this exercise.
This exercise will focus on enhanced interoperability between BAF and Pacific Air Force, USA, exchange of training, assessment of functional suitability of available equipment along with identification of future equipment requirements for improving capability and
standardization of maintenance of transport aircraft through different activities.