IAF–RTAF Joint Air Combat Exercise

From 9-12 February 2026, the Indian Air Force conducted a joint in-situ air combat exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region.

IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters from Andaman & Nicobar bases; RTAF fielded SAAB Gripen aircraft from Thai airfields.
Supported by IAF IL-78 mid-air refuellers, AWACS, and RTAF Ground Control Interception (GCI) units.
Focused on maritime air combat training, interoperability, and operational coordination.
Demonstrated IAF’s long-range operational capability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Strengthened Indo-Thai defence ties under India’s “Act East” policy and supported Indo-Pacific security cooperation.