Dhaka, 28 February: The ten-day long collaborative endeavor, ‘Exercise Cope South-2024’ involving Bangladesh Air Force and Pacific Air Force, USA, organized by Bangladesh Air Force came to an end at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu on Wednesday (28 February 2024). Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, nswc, psc graced the closing ceremony as chief guest. He delivered the closing address among the invited guests and participants from both the nations and joined in a photo session. Major General Erich C. Novak, head of delegation also put up his remarks on behalf of Pacific Air Force, USA. Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Ms Helen LaFave joined the ceremony as Special Guest. Besides, officials from the US Embassy, high-ranking officials from all three services as well as Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, participants from both the forces, representatives from Bangladesh Police attended the program.
In ‘Exercise Cope South-2024’, one C-130J and one AN-32 transport aircraft from Bangladesh Air Force and two C-130J transport aircraft from the Pacific Air Force, USA participated alongside 250 members from Bangladesh Air Force and 77 members from Pacific Air Force, USA. Besides, 12 paratroopers from Bangladesh Air Force, 30 paratroopers from Bangladesh Army, and 40 paratroopers from Bangladesh Navy actively participated in the Exercise.
‘Exercise Cope South’ is designed to enhance BAF capability as well as to ensure maximum utilization of BAF transport aircraft in combating disaster and natural calamities. This collaborative exercise is aimed to enhance interoperability between both the forces, facilitate exchange of training, standardization of maintenance of transport aircraft, assessment of functional suitability of available equipment along with identification of future equipment requirements for improving capability through different activities.This collaborative effort will not only bolster disaster response capabilities but also foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. It will also serve as a catalyst for strengthening the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the United States.
