F-22 Raptor in Cope Taufan Exercise 2014

Cope Taufan is a biennial exercise between Malaysia and the US, and it has grown over the past few evolutions to become one of the premier multinational air combat exercises in the hemisphere. For 2014, America's most capable air-to-air fighters were deployed to take part, and sending the Raptor to Malaysia fired a strong message to potential foes and potential allies throughout the region.

In short, this is the first time the US Air Force sent their latest fighter, the F-22 Raptor for a joint exercise in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is the first nation in Southeast Asia where the F-22 Raptor participated in air combat exercise. Before this they sent the Raptor to Singapore airshow for static display only.

I took the opportunity to visit the F-22 Raptor up close and personal at Butterworth Air Base during the exercise.

Enjoy the photos!

An RAAF Dassault Mirage III given to RMAF