India, Thailand hold joint air combat exercise in Indian Ocean region
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a joint in-situ air combat exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region from February 9 to 12, 2026, aimed at boosting interoperability and deepening defence ties between the two nations.
The bilateral drill featured frontline multirole fighters — IAF Su-30MKI jets operating from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and RTAF SAAB Gripen aircraft flying from Thai airfields — with extended-range maritime operations supported by IAF IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers.
Surveillance and command were enhanced by IAF Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and the RTAF’s Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements, enabling coordinated air combat training over the maritime domain.
The exercise demonstrated the IAF’s long-reach capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while fostering operational exposure, best-practice exchanges and mutual understanding with a friendly foreign partner.
Officials described it as a reflection of India’s expanding “Act East” policy, extending defence cooperation with Thailand into the aerospace domain and strengthening regional security synergy amid shared interests in Indo-Pacific stability.
The engagement aligns with broader efforts to build trust and interoperability among Asian air forces in strategically vital maritime areas.
