Bangladesh, US Conclude Five-Day Cope South 2026 Exercise

The Bangladesh Air Force and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) have concluded a five-day joint military exercise, Cope South 2026, aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and sharing aviation expertise.

The closing ceremony was held on Thursday (November 5) at Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandker in Dhaka Cantonment.

Air Vice Marshal Rusad Deen Asad, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) of the Bangladesh Air Force, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of joint training and the exchange of professional knowledge and experience between the two air forces.

Colonel Henry E. Plagge-Radt, head of the US delegation, also addressed the ceremony and highlighted various activities conducted during the exercise.

The five-day exercise covered several aviation-related areas, including the operation and maintenance of C-130J and C-130B transport aircraft, aviation safety, hazardous materials management, aeromedical operations, aerial cargo transportation, airbase security, and post-accident firefighting and rescue operations.

A total of 138 personnel participated in the exercise, including 120 members of the Bangladesh Air Force and 18 personnel from the US Pacific Air Forces.

The exercise provided both sides with an opportunity to strengthen professional ties, enhance technical capabilities and exchange operational expertise through joint training.