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Indian and US military forces will shortly commence major combat exercises “wargames” which will increase the “interoperability” of the two nations and foster greater military ties.
The Indo-US combat execises, called `Yudh-Abhyas’ and `Cope-India’ exercises, are expected to take place in October this year.
The joint combat manoeuvres between India and US includes an advanced transport and helicopter fleet exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and US Air Force in Agra and Chandigarh. This Cope-India exercise will also include operations by special forces after paradropping from transport aircraft like Indian IL-76s and AN-32s and American C-130J “Super Hercules”.
Simultaneously, the 2nd Stryker Brigade will be in the Babina Armoured Corps training centre near Jhansi to take part in the three-week long “Yudh-Abhyas” exercise geared for swift combat manoeuvres in a semi-urban environment.
As the Indian defence sector is opening up, US will be highlighting its Stryker armoured combat vehicles, C-17 Globemaster-III giant military transport aircraft and Chinook multi-mission helicopters during the exercises.
Defence officials said that the US will be bringing 17 of their eight-wheeled Stryker vehicles, which have also been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and around 500 soldiers for this largest-ever ground combat exercise with India.
India and US have been very consistent in terms of joint combat exercises and almost 50 bilateral wargames have taken place in the last seven years.
Recently, India and US have also finalised several crucial defence deals.
After inking the $2.1 billion deal for eight P-8i long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft (LRMRA) and $ 962 million contract for six C-130J heavy-lift aircraft, India has evinced interest in the ten C-17 aircraft and fifteen Chinook helicopters as well.
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