February 13, New Delhi – The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an on-site exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region from February 9 to 12, 2026, strengthening military cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.
The bilateral engagement was carried out as an air combat training exercise, featuring Su-30MKI multirole fighters from the IAF and SAAB Gripen jets from the RTAF. Extended-range operations by the IAF aircraft over the maritime domain were supported by IAF IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers. The exercise was conducted under enhanced surveillance and command capabilities provided by Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft from the IAF and Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements from the RTAF.
IAF participating forces operated from airbases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while the Thai Gripens operated from airbases in Thailand. The exercise was designed to demonstrate the IAF’s operational reach and interoperability with a Friendly Foreign Country (FFC) in the Indian Ocean Region. It provided operational exposure to participating forces and facilitated the exchange of best practices between the IAF and RTAF.
The exercise reflects the deepening "Act East" partnership between India and Thailand, expanding cooperation into the aerospace domain.
(Source: Ministry of Defence)