All pictures by Jorge Manuel Antão Ruivo

In July this year, the Indian Air Force took part in COOPERATIVE COPE THUNDER 2004-01 held from July 15-30 at both Elmendorf and Eielson AFB in Alaska. Six Jaguar aircraft were deployed to Alaska supported by Il-76MD transport and Il-78MKI tanker aircraft, the latter of which also participated in the exercise.

On their trip to Alaska the IAF detachment made stops at several European countries, enabling the European aircraft photography community to take pictures of these special visitors. The aircraft left Ambala AB on June 23 and arrive at Eielson AFB on July 9. From 28th to 30th of June, the ten aircraft stayed at Monte Real AB, Portugal. Jorge Manuel Antão Ruivo made the following photos and reported the aircraft serials.

The aircraft departed Eielson AFB on August 3 and then routed through Canada, Newfoundland and Porgual, the aircraft are seen here during their stop-over at Beja AB in Portugal on August 10. After which the aircraft routed through Italy, Egypt, Qatar, Jamnagar (India) before arrival at Ambala on August 16.