US general takes 30-minute flight on Russian Su-30 fighter jet
General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, commander of the US Pacific Air Force, flew a Russian Su-30 fighter jet. This took place at Kalaikunda Air Base of the Indian Air Force.
Here's What We Know
Kenneth S. Wilsbach has flown F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon and F-22A Raptor fighters. He has 71 combat sorties and over 5,000 flight hours to his credit.
This week he piloted a Russian Su-30 fighter jet for half an hour. More specifically, Kenneth S. Wilsbach flew the Su-30MKI for the Indian Air Force for 30 minutes. The flight was part of the first phase of Cope India 23, which began on April 10 and will continue until April 24.
US commander flying in #Russian fighter jet in India: Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach Commander, Pacific Air Forces visited @IAF_MCC base in Kalaikunda yesterday and flew a training mission in Su 30MKI fighter jet during on going US-India joint exercise #CopeIndia @INDOPACOM pic.twitter.com/GwW7NECVYN
- Neeraj Rajput (@neeraj_rajput) April 12, 2023
Kenneth S. Wilsbach met with Indian Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari and Defence Minister Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi before visiting Kalaykunda base. The US Pacific Air Force commander discussed the story of the destruction of the Chinese balloon in early February 2023. The US general stated that the balloon was observing US targets.
To conclude, add that the Cope India 23 exercise is taking place for the first time since 2018. This time, it involved B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers.
Source: The Eurasian Times
