U.S. and Bangladesh Air Forces Begin Exercise Cope South 2026

U.S. and Bangladesh Air Forces Begin Exercise Cope South 2026

DHAKA, November 1, 2026 – The U.S. Air Force and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) began Exercise Cope South today, November 1, 2026, at BAF Base Bir Uttam A.K. Khandker in Dhaka. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces sponsored the five-day exercise, which runs through November 5.  Bangladesh Air Vice Marshall Haider Abdullah and U.S. Embassy Dhaka Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Trishita Maula welcomed participants at the opening ceremony.

Pilots, maintenance specialists, and logistics teams from both countries will train side by side on C-130J operations and maintenance, cargo handling, aviation safety, emergency response, airfield security, and medical support.

Cope South strengthens the ability of both air forces in responding to regional security challenges, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. The hands-on training will sharpen their ability to deliver emergency supplies and support relief operations when a crisis strikes. – US Embassy Press release