As Cope India warmed up this week, 10 USAF communicators from the 35th Communications Squadron deployed from Misawa AB, Japan, with a theater deployable communication package and had the exercise comm operable within 48 hours. The airmen established satellite connectivity, enabling phones and Internet capability at Kalaikunda AS, India.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.