Malaysian exercise features MiGs, promotes ties with U.S.

  • Published
  • By Maj. Sam Highley
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  U.S. and Malaysian Airmen are hailing the success of Cope Taufan, a live-flying exercise involving air combat training in Malaysia that took place Nov. 9 to 20.

The 67th Fighter Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, took their F-15 Eagles to TUDM Butterworth, Malaysia, to train with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Mig-29 Fulcrums and F/A-18 Hornets. While there, the two nations' Airmen exchanged techniques and procedures to enhance interoperability and cooperation between their air forces.

Lt. Col. Rob Novotny, 67th FS commander, said the exercise was the first experience for many of his personnel to train with, and sometimes "against," the MiG-29s and F/A-18s flown by the Malaysians.

"[The Royal Malaysian Air Force] is a very competent and professional force, and the lessons learned are numerous and relevant to modern air combat," Colonel Novotny said. "Training against the MiG-29 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our pilots, and we were fortunate to have some fantastic debriefs with the MiG pilots."

The integration between the U.S. and Malaysian participants was nearly seamless, as air-to-air combat philosophies are often cross-cultural, the commander said.

"We use different words to describe similar concepts, so once we develop a common language, our employment doesn't skip a beat," he said.

The American pilots were able to share a lot with their Malaysian counterparts, in particular aggressiveness in the air and a pursuit of perfection, Colonel Novotny said. Similarly, the Royal Malaysian Air Force demonstrated their program of instruction for young pilots to the U.S. personnel, who came away impressed.

"We found that their youngest wingmen and flight leads are very proficient in the basic tasks," Colonel Novotny said. "We flew several dissimilar formations together, and we unanimously agree that flying with the Royal Malaysian Air Force fighters is very easy."

The visiting Airmen also had a chance to tour nearby Penang Island and travel to Kuala Lumpur to see the sights. They reciprocated the hospitality by visiting a primary school to meet with local students and promote friendship between the two nations.

Pacific Air Forces has conducted exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force since the early 1980s. By participating in exercises with military forces from partner nations in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States demonstrates its commitment to peace and stability in the region.