BAF, US PACAF conduct ‘Exercise Cope South-2026’

A five-day combined exercise named ‘Exercise Cope South-2026’ between Bangladesh Air Force and Pacific Air Force (PACAF), USA under the guidance of Armed Forces Division and overall management of Bangladesh Air Force commenced on Sunday at BAF Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker.

Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah, GUP, ndc, fawc, psc delivered the opening address. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Trishita Maula also joined the ceremony as special guest, according to ISPR. 

Exercise Cope South-2026 aims to enhance the professional skills and operational capability of BAF personnel through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) between the two air forces. The SMEEs cover C-130J/C-130B operations and maintenance, aviation safety and HAZMAT (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS) risk management, aerospace medicine and physiology, airlift cargo handling, air base defense and force protection, and crash fire rescue.

A total of 120 members of BAF and 18 members of Pacific Air Forces, USA are participating in the Exercise Cope South-2026.

The exercise will focus on enhanced interoperability between BAF and Pacific Air Forces, USA, and on exchanging professional knowledge and best practices. It will also emphasise on standardising procedures for C-130 operations, maintenance and enhancing future operational capabilities.