Cope India-09, the fifth edition of the joint exercises between Indian and US air forces began at Air Force Station, Agra on October 19. During the five-day exercises, India fielded three AN-32 transport aircrafts, two Mi-17 1V helicopters, one Chetak helicopter, along with 270 personnel. The US flew in three C-130H Hercules, one C-130J Super Hercules, one C-17 Globemaster and 180 personnel for the exercise. The exercises are a part of the larger India-US defence cooperation meant to enable forces from two counties to “learn about each other’s operational aspects, validate procedures for operations towards internal security, airborne operations and night vision goggles (NVG)-aided tactical operations.” 1