US Air Force to Deploy Aircraft and Troops to Manado for Strategic Exercise

The United States Air Force (USAF) is set to deploy aircraft and personnel to Manado. The purpose of the US military’s presence there has been clarified.

The plan for the troop deployment was announced by the United States Embassy in Indonesia. The US Embassy stated that personnel and aircraft from the 374th Airlift Wing of the USAF and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will participate in Cope West 2026. This bilateral tactical airlift exercise will be held at the Sam Ratulangi Air Force Base in Manado.

According to the official US Embassy website on Wednesday (2/9/2026), Cope West 2026 will take place from 7–11 September. US Air Force personnel will train alongside TNI AU personnel, with both forces deploying C-130 aircraft for this exercise.

The US Embassy noted that Cope West 2026 will focus on Tactical Air Operations training. The exercise aims to improve interoperability and system capabilities with TNI AU’s tactical airlift assets, while also supporting TNI modernisation efforts.

US and Indonesian forces will conduct joint tactical air operations, integrating low-cost low-altitude airdrops, high and low-velocity container delivery systems, military freefall personnel jumps, and tactical formation flying.

The exercise will also feature subject matter expert exchanges in various fields, such as aerospace medicine, aeromedical evacuation, and local first responder procedures. Table-top simulation exercises will also be conducted to refine joint capabilities.

Cope West is a routine exercise that was first organised in 1989. This year marks the 13th iteration of the exercise held in Indonesia.