Exercise Cope South 2022 was kicked off by US Air Force Airmen belonging to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (EAS) and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) troops.
According to a press release issued by the US Embassy here today, Exercise Cope South is a bi-annual Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise that allows US and Bangladesh forces to train together to improve partnerships and enhance interoperability.
During the week-long exercise, more than 70 US Air Force Airmen, one US Space Force Guardian, and over 300 BAF professionals discuss best practices and complete integrated training objectives.
Bangladesh Air Force Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the US Air Force and BAF collaboration during the ceremony on February 19.
“This is a very important exercise for Bangladesh’s armed forces, who have earned a lot of professional competency over the years,” he said.
Khan stated that this exercise has benefitted the Bangladesh Armed Forces, particularly the Bangladesh Air Force, over the past 27 years through building interoperability amongst the air forces.
Humanitarian aid and disaster relief are capabilities shared by the US and Bangladesh, according to 36th EAS commander Lt. Col. Kira Coffey.
“We’re excited to undertake valuable tactical airlift training and learn from one another so that we can not just be better, but also better together,” she said.
According to the press release, the purpose of Exercise Cope South 2022 is to test participant tasks, evaluate performance, and identify future training and other measures that will improve partnership capabilities between US and Bangladesh troops.
