The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an in-situ joint exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region from February 9th to 12th, 2026. The air combat training exercise featured Su-30MKI multirole fighters from the IAF and SAAB Gripen jets from the RTAF. IAF IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers supported extended range operations. The exercise involved IAF Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements from the RTAF. The IAF operated from airbases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Thai Gripens from airbases in Thailand. The purpose was to demonstrate the IAF's reach and interoperability with a Friendly Foreign Country (FFC) in the IOR, and to facilitate the exchange of best practices. The release was posted on February 13th 2026, at 4:12 PM by PIB Delhi. Release ID is 2227536. Visitor Counter: 758.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Air Force (IAF): One of the primary participants in the joint exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force.
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF): One of the primary participants in the joint exercise with the Indian Air Force.
Indian Ocean Region: The geographical location where the joint exercise between the IAF and RTAF took place.
Act East: The partnership framework between India and Thailand that the exercise strengthens.
Ministry of Defence
THE INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF) CONDUCTS IN-
SITU JOINT EXERCISE WITH ROYAL THAI AIR
FORCE (RTAF) IN INDIAN OCEAN REGION
Posted On: 13 FEB 2026 4:12PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an In-situ Exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the
Indian Ocean Region from 09 to 12 February 2026, strengthening military cooperation and enhancing
mutual understanding between the two countries.
The bilateral engagement between the two countries was executed in the form of an air combat training
exercise, featuring Su-30MKl multirole fighter from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and SAAB Gripen jets
from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). Extended range operations by the IAF aircraft over the maritime
domain were ensured by the IAF IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers. The exercise was conducted under the
enhanced surveillance and command capabilities of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
aircraft from the IAF and Ground Control Interception (GCI) element from the RTAF.
The 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 IAF's reach as well
as interoperability with a Friendly Foreign Country (FFC) in the IOR. This exercise provided operational
exposure to participating forces and exchange of best practices between IAF and RTAF. This exercise
reflects the deepening "Act East" partnership between India and Thailand, expanding into the aerospace
domain.***
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(Release ID: 2227536) Visitor Counter : 758
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