In the biggest-ever fighter maneuvers, India and United States Monday commenced a ten-day joint air exercises over the Gwalior skies, north India, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI).  

In the combat exercises codenamed 'Cope India 04', the Pacific Command of the US Air Force (USAF) will pit its F-15C air superiority fighters against the Indian Air Force's Mig-21, Mig 29 and Sukhoi-30 fighters as well as high value asset protection and a number of the low and high altitude combat missions, said PTI.

The US Pacific Command Air Force team flew in with their planes in two giant C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft for the joint exercises which would be witnessed by India Air Chief S. Krishanswamy and other top Indian Air Force (IAF) brass, it said.

IAF was keen to match its formidable frontline fighter fleet with the USAF F-16 fighting falcons. However, the USAF sent in the F-15C fighters, which are labeled as flying eagles, it said.

This is the second joint exercise being conducted by the IAF which held maneuvers with the French Air Force's upgraded Mirage 2000-5 last year at the same air base, said PTI.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2004)