BD, US air forces begin 5-day Cope South 2026 exercise

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) have begun a five-day joint military exercise aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, aviation safety and their capacity to respond to regional security challenges and humanitarian emergencies.

The exercise, titled Cope South 2026, began on Sunday at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A.K. Khandker in Dhaka and will continue until November 5.

The US Pacific Air Forces is sponsoring the exercise, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.

Bangladesh Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah and US Embassy Dhaka Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Trishita Maula welcomed participants from both countries at the opening ceremony.

Pilots, maintenance specialists and logistics teams from the two air forces will participate in joint training covering C-130J aircraft operations and maintenance, cargo handling, aviation safety, emergency response, airfield security and medical support.

The exercise is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the two air forces and improve their coordination in responding to natural disasters, regional security challenges and humanitarian crises.

According to the US Embassy, the practical training will strengthen their ability to deliver emergency supplies and provide logistical support for relief operations when disasters or other emergencies occur.

The exercise also provides an opportunity for personnel from both air forces to exchange technical expertise and operational experience through hands-on training.

The US Embassy said Cope South would strengthen the ability of the two air forces to work together in addressing shared security and humanitarian challenges.

The five-day exercise reflects continuing defence cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States, particularly in areas of professional military training, aviation capabilities and disaster response.