The training, called Exercise Cope West 2025, is part of an annual program designed to enhance the combat skills of both countries’ air forces and strengthen their military partnership.
“This is a regular yearly exercise that has been going on for a long time between the Indonesian Air Force and the US Air Force,” Air Base Commander Abdul Haris said on Monday.
The US pilots were welcomed on Sunday with a traditional ceremony. Haris presented them with a tanjak, a traditional Malay headpiece, as a gesture of respect and friendship.
“The arrival of our friends from the US Air Force is an honor for us,” he said.
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The main goal of the exercise is to sharpen the professionalism and combat readiness of both air forces. It also aims to foster closer cooperation between the two countries in maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region.
The presence of F-15 jets in Pekanbaru is expected to bring more depth and realism to the training scenarios.
“Through Cope West 2025, we’re not only training to improve our combat capabilities but also building strong friendships and strategic cooperation,” Haris added.
This joint exercise comes just one week after another military drill, Ausindo 2025, between the air forces of Indonesia and Australia.
Indonesia continues to expand its military partnerships through joint training, reflecting its commitment to regional defense cooperation.
Cope West has been held regularly since the 1980s, with hosting duties alternating between Indonesia and the United States.
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Translator: Bayu AA, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
