U.S., Indonesian air forces build on 70-year relationship through Cope West 2019

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Miguel Lara III
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

Units from the U.S. Air Force and Indonesian air force are scheduled to participate in Cope West 2019, a Field Training Exercise at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 17-28, 2019.

This bilateral exercise is designed to advance interoperability and build on the partnership that exists between United States military forces and the Indonesian militaries, with this year’s iteration further highlighting the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cope West 2019 will involve approximately 100 U.S. service members working alongside their Indonesian Air Force counterparts and a combined total of 12 aircraft, including six U.S. Air Force F-16CM/DM aircraft from the 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing based out of Misawa Air Base, Japan, and six F-16 aircraft from the Indonesian air force.

The exercise, which began in 1989, allows for the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures related to air-to-air training and promotes regional stability through cooperation. This year marks the 7th iteration since 2009.

Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs office at (808) 448-3225 or email at PACAF.PA.PAY@us.af.mil. For additional coverage of the exercise, follow the Cope West 2019 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service page https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/CopeWest19.