US PACAF

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 SEPT – The skies of Penang, Pahang and Perak are abuzz with fighter jets, transport aeroplanes and helicopters until Friday, with the mobilisation of the ‘Cope Taufan 2023’ bilateral military exercise.

The tactical biennial exercise, involving elements from the United States Pacific Air Forces, the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Army’s 10th Parachute special forces brigade, took off on Sept 18.

An exercise spokesman said that the event aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s and the US’ readiness, while demonstrating U.S. capability to project forces strategically with an emphasis on interoperability, security cooperation and capacity building.

The exercise will prioritise training in air-to-air and air delivery capabilities, as well as place a high emphasis on flight support operations in a ‘live’ environment.

The exercise aims to improve U.S. and Malaysian readiness whilst demonstrating U.S. capability to project forces strategically with an emphasis on interoperability, security cooperation and capacity building.

The spokesman added that the US’ involvement in military exercises with the armed forces of partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrated its commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Preparations for ‘Cope Taufan 2023’ began with the mobilisation of Malaysian assets to the RMAF Subang, Selangor and Butterworth, Penang air bases from Sept 10.

The RMAF assets involved were the Su-30MKM Flankers, BAE Systems Hawk, Boeing F/A-18D Hornets, C-130H, Airbus A400M and Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) EC725 AP Caracal helicopters.

The Army provided the Spanish four-wheel URO VAMTAC (Vehiculo de Alta Movilidad Tactico, or high mobility tactical vehicle), combat motorcycles and LG1 Mk III Howitzer artillery guns.

It followed with the arrival of several US F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and Hercules C-130 ‘Charlies’ at the RMAF Butterworth air base.

The exercise proper on Sept 16 took-off with a welcome reception by the co-exercise directors Colonel Razali Ahmad Jumali from the RMAF and Colonel Kathryn Gaetke from the US Air Force.

The ceremony began with the symbolic presentation of the exercise patch by RMAF Butterworth base commander Brigadier-General Khairol Muzambi Salehin to the participants.

Chief Exercise Conductor Colonel Romainor Abdul Kadir then briefed the officers and men on the exercise details, followed by speeches by Kathryn and Razali.

Also present were US embassy Air Attache Colonel Damien Panajia and RMAF Butterworth base executive officer Colonel Engku Faizal Engku Mustaffa.

The event followed up with an ‘ice-breaking’ session between Malaysia and US soldiers to interact, become acquainted with each other and foster teamwork.

It ended with traditional and modern dances and songs by the RMAF Combo band.

Approximately 220 members of the United States military, 424 RMAF personnel and 472 10th Brigade (Para) commandos are involved in the exercise.

“Through this exercise platform, defence cooperation between the RMAF and the US Pacific Air Force (PACAF) is continuously strengthened and reinforced.

“For the 2023 exercise edition, the focus is not only on bilateral military cooperation but also on integrated modern military operations involving the participants,” said a PACAF statement.

The statement added that its C-130 transport aircraft were from the Delaware Air National Guard’s 166th Airlift Wing, New Castle Air National Guard Base, and the F-16 fighter jets were based at the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base in South Korea.

“’Cope Taufan 2023’ exercise will prioritise air-to-air training and air delivery capabilities while placing a high emphasis on flight support operations in a real-world scenario,” the statement said.

It added that the US Pacific Air Forces had conducted exercises with the RMAF since the early 1980s.

“By participating in exercises with military forces from partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region, the US demonstrates its commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” it said. – airtimes.my