Globemaster conducts first mission for Cope India

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
AIR FORCE STATION AGRA, India --  A C-17 Globemaster III crew conducted the first ever combined airdrop mission with Indian Air Force personnel here as part of exercise Cope India.

The 535th Airlift Squadron based out of Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, conducted a high altitude low opening mission with four U.S. Air Force Airmen and Soldiers, and 12 Indian air force Garud operators.

"This is the first time in our partnership that we've had the United States and India forces jump out of a C-17," Capt. Billy Dye, pilot from the 535 AS, and Greensboro, N.C. native said. "It's great that we get to share the capabilities of our aircraft with one another."

More than 160 U.S. Airmen and Soldiers, along with three C-130H Hercules, a C-17, and C-130J are participating in the exercise with Indian Air Force one IL-76 Gajraj, four AN-32 Sutlejes, two MI-17 Prataps and one Cheak Alouette III.

"Cope India allows our countries the ability to exchange humanitarian airlift, air land and airdrop delivery techniques," Captain Dye said. "And we look forward to continuing to foster theses great relationships that we are already making."

A U.S. Air Force master sgt. from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, said he was excited to be a part of this historic flight. "I was amazed at the professionalism and skill displayed by my Indian counterparts. And I am enthusiastic about the future cooperation and combined operations with this strategic partner."

Cope India is an airlift exercise that focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Additionally, U.S. and Indian air forces will participate in aeromedical and disaster management exercises and several subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise.