The Indian Air Force (IAF) embarked on a significant joint 'in-situ' air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) from February 9 to 12, 2026, in the Indian Ocean Region. This exercise is a pivotal step in fortifying military cooperation and mutual comprehension between the two nations.
Exercise Name and Purpose
Focusing on air combat training, the primary goal of this exercise...
was to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the air forces. It showcased IAF's reach and long-range operations in the Indian Ocean Region, facilitating best practices exchange with a friendly foreign country. Part of India's 'Act East' policy, this initiative strengthens aerospace partnerships with Thailand.
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Aircraft Involved
Indian Air Force (IAF)...
Su-30MKI multi-role fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refueling tankers for extended flight operations, and AWACS and AEW&C systems for aerial surveillance and command.
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)...
SAAB Gripen jets, renowned Swedish multirole fighters. IAF aircraft launched from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands airbase, while Thai Gripens took off from Thailand bases. This 'in-situ' exercise implies both sides operated independently from their bases while conducting joint aerial training.
Source: aajtak
Execution of the Exercise
Su-30MKI and Gripen jets performed air combat maneuvers including dogfight, interception, and target tracking.
IL-78 tankers refueled Su-30MKIs mid-air, enabling extended-range flights.
AWACS and RTAF's Ground Control Interception (GCI) offered aerial surveillance and command.
The exercise was conducted north of the Malacca Strait, a strategic area linking the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
It highlighted IAF's long-range capability and operational sustainability within island territories.
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Significance of This Exercise
Regional Security: Countering increasing threats like maritime lanes piracy in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indo-Thai Defense Ties: Thailand is a crucial partner in Southeast Asia, taking 'Act East' into aerospace.
Interoperability: Working with varied aircraft types (Su-30MKI vs. Gripen) aids mutual technology understanding, beneficial for future joint operations.
Strategic Message: Conducting exercises at chokepoints like the Malacca Strait promotes regional peace and security.
This exercise marked IAF's first international air exercise of 2026, strengthening India-Thailand friendship and collaboration in the Indian Ocean. Future exercises will likely increase, reinforcing defense capacities of both nations.
