KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- Units from the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force will participate in the 30th iteration of Exercise Cope Tiger March 18-29. Cope Tiger is an annual trilateral aerial exercise meant to enhance readiness and further develop interoperability.
This year marks the first time that 5th generation aircraft will take part in the Cope Tiger exercise. Eight F-35A Lightning IIs from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska will join ten F-16C Fighting Falcons from Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
The exercise contributes to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic vision of strengthening Alliances and partnerships to ensure regional peace and prosperity. Participating service members have the unique opportunity to fly over Thailand’s airspace while training with air defense units.
Participants in Cope Tiger will also gain valuable training through combined tactical fighter operations and subject matter expert exchanges. Strengthening Alliances and partnerships remains a priority for the Pacific Air Forces and is why the U.S. has participated in the Cope Tiger exercise series since 1994.