Bangladesh, US air forces launch five-day joint exercise ‘Cope South-2026’

Ruma Bhoumik, Dhaka – A five-day joint military exercise involving the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) began today (November 1, 2026) at BAF Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker in Dhaka Cantonment. Titled ‘Exercise Cope South-2026′, the exercise aims to enhance operational cooperation, interoperability, and professional capabilities of the two air forces. Conducted under the directives of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), the drill is managed by the BAF, according to an ISPR press release this evening.

Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base A K Khandker, delivered the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony, while Trishita Maula, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Dhaka, attended as a special guest.

A total of 120 BAF personnel and 18 members of the US PACAF are participating in the event. The training will cover C-130J and C-130B aircraft operations, maintenance, aviation safety, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) risk management, aerospace medicine, airfield defense, and crash fire rescue. According to a US Embassy statement, the hands-on training will significantly sharpen both nations’ ability to respond to regional security challenges, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. The exercise will conclude on November 5.