The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A weeklong joint air exercise of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and US Marine Force began at the BAF Base at Kurmitola here on Wednesday.

The main objective of the "Exercise Sumo Tiger-2007" is maintaining peace and stability in the world through mutual cooperation, said an ISPR release. One hundred members of Bangladesh Air Force and US Marine Force are taking part in the exercise along with six F-18, one C-130 and one KC-130 aircraft of USA, and F-7 BG and F-7 MB aircraft of BAF. Enhancing cooperation between United States and Bangladesh, exchange of training and skill, improvement of training standard of BAF and presenting the skill of BAF on the world stage are the main purpose of the exercise.

Practice Diversion, Air Interception, Force Package Mission and Dissimilar Air Combat Training are included in the exercise. Such joint exercise is being held between the two friendly countries since 1995.

"Exercise Sumo Tiger-2007" will conclude on November 1.