KORAT ROYAL AIR BASE, Thailand (AFNS) —
Airmen from the United States, Thailand and Singapore, concluded Cope Tiger 25 with a ceremony signifying the end of the 31st iteration of the long-standing trilateral exercise Mar. 28.
Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral exercise that began in 1994 that aims to enhance combat readiness and combined multinational joint interoperability between the three nations and serves to enhance the enduring defense relationships among partner forces.
More than a year of planning went into shaping the exercise with the goal of pushing limits and testing new capabilities of combined forces in the air and on the ground.
“The flying scenarios in Cope Tiger 25 were intentionally challenging,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven McCord, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron detachment commander. “Each day, we conducted two large force exercises, involving fighter, mobility, C2, tanker and rescue aircraft. This iteration of Cope Tiger also marked the first time surface-to-air missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles were incorporated, which helps us adapt to the evolving landscape of modern warfare.”
With more than 1,800 personnel and 74 participating aircraft made planning and coordination of the large force exercise a challenging task.
To sustain operations, the U.S. brought 200 tons of cargo encompassing all flight and ground equipment, and tools. Maintainers and support personnel worked round-the-clock to keep jets mission capable while off the flightline, intelligence analysts developed training scenarios and supplied aviators with critical targeting information as they navigated the 54,000 square mile training range.
Overall, the U.S. alone logged more than 100 sorties and 160 flight hours in just 10 flying days.
“This year’s exercise saw new milestones achieved built upon the lessons of the past and visions for the future. We integrated new technologies, tested innovative tactics and further strengthened our ability to operate together as a cohesive force,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Christopher Sheppard, Air National Guard assistant to the Pacific Air Forces commander. “The lessons learned here will help shape our future operations and enhance our ability to respond to any crisis, natural disaster, or security challenge that may arise.”
In line with the Cope Tiger tradition, CT25 also included a community engagement event and this year it was held at the Ban Pongmalanguan School in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Airmen played games, sang and danced with kids while military medics provided basic medical and dental care. The three countries also sponsored renovations to two key facilities in the school.
The event turned into a big celebration of mutual gratitude and support with military leaders presenting sports equipment and school supply donations to the school, and in turn the locals treated their visitors with a taste of Thai culture and authentic cuisine.
“That was the highlight of my entire time in Thailand,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rachel Armitage, 77th EFS Intelligence analyst. “It was a privilege to go and see the community and a great experience to do that with RTAF and RSAF members and experience that together. All the kids were so sweet and silly. We had a fun time being goofy.”
As Cope Tiger 25 comes to a close, Sheppard acknowledges the most vital piece of the exercise–the people.
“To the men and women of the Royal Thai Air Force, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the United States Air Force: You have once again demonstrated your unwavering dedication, skill and professionalism,” Sheppard said. “You have made your nations proud. We look forward to increasing our bilateral and multilateral engagements and continuing to innovate ways to strengthen our partnership.”
