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

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an in-situ bilateral workout with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) successful the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from February 9 to 12, 2026, aimed astatine strengthening subject practice and enhancing operational synergy betwixt the 2 countries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the engagement was executed arsenic an aerial combat grooming workout featuring the IAF’s Su-30MKI multirole combatant craft 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 workout was conducted nether the enhanced surveillance and bid web of the IAF’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, portion Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements of the RTAF provided coordinated power support, the Ministry added.

IAF assets operated from airbases successful the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, demonstrating strategical scope into the IOR, portion the Thai Gripen fighters were launched from bases successful Thailand. The drill showcased interoperability betwixt the 2 aerial forces and provided operational exposure, including the speech of champion practices successful aerial combat and maritime domain operations.

The workout reflects the increasing defence engagement betwixt India and Thailand and marks a important measurement successful expanding the ambit of India’s “Act East” argumentation into the aerospace domain, defence sources say.