IAF, Royal Thai Air Force jointly conduct air combat exercise in Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an in-situ bilateral exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from February 9 to 12, 2026, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and enhancing operational synergy between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the engagement was executed as an air combat training exercise featuring the IAF’s Su-30MKI multirole fighter aircraft and the RTAF’s SAAB Gripen jets. The IAF’s IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers enabled extended-range maritime operations, underscoring the force’s long-distance deployment capabilities.

The exercise was conducted under the enhanced surveillance and command network of the IAF’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, while Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements of the RTAF provided coordinated control support, the Ministry added.

IAF assets operated from airbases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, demonstrating strategic reach into the IOR, while the Thai Gripen fighters were launched from bases in Thailand. The drill showcased interoperability between the two air forces and provided operational exposure, including the exchange of best practices in air combat and maritime domain operations.

The exercise reflects the growing defence engagement between India and Thailand and marks a significant step in expanding the ambit of India’s “Act East” policy into the aerospace domain, defence sources say.