Dhaka:A five-day joint military exercise involving the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commenced today at BAF Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker in Dhaka Cantonment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the exercise, named 'Exercise Cope South-2026', aims to enhance operational cooperation, interoperability, and professional capabilities between the two air forces. The exercise is being conducted under the directives of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) and is managed by the Bangladesh Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base A K Khandker, delivered the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony. Trishita Moula, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Dhaka, attended as a special guest.
The exercise involves 120 personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force and 18 members from the US Pacific Air Forces. It will cover various aspects including C-130J and C-130B aircraft operations and maintenance, aviation safety, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) risk management, aerospace medicine and physiology, airlift cargo handling, airbase defense, force protection, and crash fire rescue.
Participants will have the opportunity to share professional knowledge, operational experience, and best practices. The exercise is expected to bolster the operational capabilities of BAF personnel, refine procedures for C-130 aircraft operations and maintenance, and aid in developing future operational capabilities in these areas.