Combined exercise between BAF, US Pacific Air Forces begins

Combined exercise between BAF, US Pacific Air Forces begins

Dhaka, Feb 19 - A 10-day-long combined exercise titled “Exercise Cope South-2024” between Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and Pacific Air Forces, a major command of the United States Air Force, commenced on Monday.

The BAF is arranging the exercise under the guidance of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division.

An opening ceremony was arranged at BAF Base Bangabandhu in this regard on Monday.

Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bangabandhu Air Vice Marshal Md Badrul Amin delivered the opening address at the ceremony.

Through conducting different activities, Exercise Cope South-2024 aims to enhance BAF capability as well as ensure maximum utilisation of BAF transport aircraft in combating disasters and natural calamities.

One C-130J aircraft of the BAF is taking part in this exercise, along with two C-130J aircraft of the Pacific Air Forces, USA. Besides, one AN-32 aircraft of BAF is kept ready to participate in the exercise.

A total of 250 members of the BAF and 78 members of the Pacific Air Forces, USA, will participate in Exercise Cope South 2024.

In addition to 12 paratroopers from the Bangladesh Air Force, 30 paratroopers (11 free fallers and 19 static jumpers) from the Bangladesh Army and 40 paratroopers from the Bangladesh Navy will also take part in this exercise, according to a media release from the ISPR directorate.

This exercise will focus on enhanced interoperability between BAF and Pacific Air Forces, USA, exchange of training, assessment of functional suitability of available equipment, identification of future equipment  requirements for improving capability, and standardisation of maintenance of transport aircraft through different activities.-UNB