Pilots from Malaysia and the US have joined forces for Cope Taufan 06—a three-week air-to-air training exercise, designed to sharpen air combat tactics and build closer relations between the Pacific allies. Cope Taufan—Taufan meaning “big storm” in Malaysian—is a biannual exercise by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, with this year’s installment including eight USAF F-15s and more than 114 maintainers, munition handlers, and pilots. The RMAF is participating with MiG-29 Fulcrums, Hawk 208s, and the F/A-18 Hornet.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
