US Air Force and Indian Air Force wrap up their major air-combat exercise this week, having been going at it more or less non-stop since Nov. 7. Cope India has featured USAF F-16s against a variety of IAF hardware, including the latest Su-30MKI. Don’t expect, however, to hear a great deal about which side “won” or “lost” any particular air encounter. If recent press statements are a guide (see, for example, the Cope India story in the Nov. 17 issue of Pacific Stars & Stripes), USAF officers intend to downplay this angle. Claims of Indian victories in the last Cope India ruffled some feathers in the US Air Force.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.