Twenty-eight Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft from bases in the Pacific and about 700 personnel from the two services are preparing to participate in Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 in Thailand. The annual field training exercise kicks off on Jan. 26 and runs through Feb. 5. It takes place at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base near the city of Korat, northeast of Bangkok, and at Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Air Force A-10s, C-17s, C-130s, E-3 AWACS, and KC-135 tankers will fly in the exercise, as will Marine Corps KC-130 tankers and F/A-18C fighters. In addition to US and Royal Thai Air Force and Army elements, the Republic of Singapore Air Force is participating.
China thinks it will be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 and has developed a technology edge in many key areas—but it is artificial intelligence that may be the decisive factor should conflict erupt, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.