IAF–RTAF Joint Air Combat Exercise Enhances Defence Cooperation in Indian Ocean

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

IAF and RTAF conducted a joint in-situ air combat exercise from February 9–12, 2026.
Su-30MKI and Gripen fighter jets trained together with aerial refuelling and AWACS support.
The drill strengthens interoperability and supports India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy.

New Delhi: The IAF RTAF joint air combat exercise marked a significant step in strengthening defence ties between India and Thailand, as the two air forces carried out coordinated air combat training in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from February 9 to 12, 2026. The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding between the two friendly nations.

The engagement reflects India’s growing emphasis on regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and its commitment to expanding defence partnerships under the Act East policy.

Frontline Fighter Jets Operate Across Maritime Domain

The bilateral drill featured frontline multirole fighters from both air forces. The Indian Air Force deployed its Su-30MKI aircraft operating from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while the Royal Thai Air Force fielded SAAB Gripen fighter jets flying from airfields in Thailand.

The exercise involved extended-range maritime operations, demonstrating the ability of both forces to conduct sustained air combat missions over vast oceanic пространства with precision and coordination.

Aerial Refueling, AWACS and Command Integration

Operational reach during the exercise was enhanced by IAF IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers, allowing fighter aircraft to remain airborne for longer durations. Surveillance and command-and-control capabilities were strengthened through the deployment of IAF Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, working in tandem with the RTAF’s Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements.

This integrated setup enabled realistic air combat scenarios, seamless information sharing and coordinated responses across the maritime battlespace.

Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Security Focus

Officials said the joint drill showcased the IAF’s long-range operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region while fostering exchanges of best practices and tactical knowledge. The exercise was described as a practical extension of India’s Act East policy, expanding defence cooperation with Thailand into the aerospace domain.

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By operating together in a strategically vital maritime area, both air forces reinforced their shared commitment to maintaining stability, security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Building Trust and Interoperability Among Asian Air Forces

The engagement aligns with broader regional efforts to build trust, interoperability and operational synergy among Asian air forces. Defence analysts noted that such exercises play a crucial role in enhancing readiness for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and collective security challenges in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Officials from both sides said similar engagements in the future would further consolidate India–Thailand defence relations and contribute to a stable and secure regional security architecture.

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