Cope North 2013

[mcmaster]

www.defence.gov.au/opEx/exercises/copenorthguam/index.htm

Seven F/A-18A Hornets, E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A Multi-role Tanker and a C-130J Hercules along with 230 Air Force personnel are participating in world-class air combat and surveillance training in the skies above Guam from 4 – 15 February as part of Exercise Cope North Guam 2013.

Exercise Cope North Guam aims to cultivate regional ties and seeks to enhance Australia’s interoperability with the armed forces of Japan and the United States of America. The bilateral exercise is designed to enhance joint operational capability alongside military aircraft from the United States Air Force (USAF) and Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF). During Cope North 2013, participating forces will train together to improve coalition strike capabilities against transnational terrorist threats.

This is the second time the Royal Australian Air Force has participated in Cope North Guam. The exercise provides a quality venue to develop multilateral interoperability and coalition procedures in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, air power missions, to include air superiority, close air support, interdiction, electronic warfare, tactical airlift, aerial refuelling and airborne command and control.

Aircrew will be exposed to large force employment on a scale not possible in Australia, when they perform counter air, precision strike and offensive air and surveillance support.

[richard1098]

Some interesting photos: images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/grid.fwx?ArchiveID=5003&Search=12132609

[Ykato]

Jets roar as US, Japan, and Australia drill in Pacific

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AP)-Fighter jets from the United States and key allies Japan and Australia are taking to the skies over the western Pacific in the combat phase of annual Cope North military exercises.

The drills-taking place around the U.S. territory of Guam-have gained importance in recent years as countries in the region respond to the rise of China and other potential threats.

They are aimed at preparing air forces of the U.S., Japan and Australia to fight together in a military crisis. They also remind Beijing that America's regional alliances are strong, though officers leading the maneuvers say they are not looking to bait the Chinese military.

U.S. officials say they believe more allies, particularly New Zealand and the Philippines, will join the exercises soon.
www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=125157&cat=1

[mcmaster]

Good formation shot of the RAAF Hornet at bottom with USAF B-52, F-16, F-15 and USN FA-18F and Japanese F15 and F-2. Image USAF official.

[Ykato]

South Korean observers join Cope North for first time

U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Herbert Carlisle said Monday the South Koreans are observing the humanitarian assistance and disaster response portion of Cope North.

They could become full participants in years to come, and other nations — such as New Zealand and the Philippines — could be added, he said.
www.stripes.com/news/pacific/south-korean-observers-join-cope-north-for-first-time-1.206540

[flyjoe180]

Is that F16 second from left from South Korea?

[Ykato]

Feb 9, 2013 9:57:43 GMT 12 flyjoe180 said:

Is that F16 second from left from South Korea?

Japan Mitsubishi F-2A

[mcmaster]

Havent seen anything official yet to confirm talk that the aggressor f16s (second from top in image) are coming to aus after this ex. Would be very cool if they do come.

Ykato, do u know how much in common is there between the f2 and f16? They sure look the same. One difference I do recall is the F2 opted for a frame for the canopy, assume they thought it better to trade pilot view for strength.

[Ykato]

Feb 9, 2013 10:46:49 GMT 12 mcmaster said:

Havent seen anything official yet to confirm talk that the aggressor f16s (second from top in image) are coming to aus after this ex. Would be very cool if they do come.

Ykato, do u know how much in common is there between the f2 and f16?.

? on that one

[htbrst]

Feb 9, 2013 10:46:49 GMT 12 mcmaster said:

me.

Ykato, do u know how much in common is there between the f2 and f16?

Nowhere as much as you would think - its essentially an all new aeroplane - it has a bigger wing and fuselage and many more parts are of composite construction.

From memory Japan paid as much for each F-2 as the USA did for each F-22 - and that isnt cheap

You can see the difference in the wing on that picture- the wing is angled at the rear rather than straight like the F-16.

Heres a comparison from Wiki:

[mcmaster]

Thanks htbrst.

Hope they got a more capable aircraft for the $'s, although I assume the objective was more to develop the Japanese military aviation industry.