India–Thailand Air Exercise: IAF–RTAF “In‑Situ” Drill near Malacca Strait (Feb 9–13, 2026)
India and Thailand are conducting a joint “in-situ” air exercise from February 9–13, 2026, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to enhance operational coordination and regional interoperability. The engagement is strategically significant because it is being executed in a busy maritime theatre linked to sea-lane security near the Malacca Strait chokepoint.
What makes it an “in-situ” exercise?
An “in-situ” exercise is designed to be conducted from existing bases rather than through a large, forward deployment or a major overseas movement of forces. This format is useful for testing realistic readiness—how quickly aircraft, crews, C2 (command-and-control) elements, and refuelling support can integrate with a partner air force within normal operating constraints.
In other words, the drill focuses on real-world interoperability (communications, procedures, mission planning, and safety protocols) rather than only ceremonial flying.
Key operational details (where, when, how)
- Timeframe: February 9 to 13, 2026.
- Broad location: Near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the North Malacca Strait area—an operationally relevant corridor because of dense maritime and air traffic and its role as a global shipping lane.
- Force size: Reports indicate around 4–6 fighters from each side taking part in tactical engagements, with support assets included to add operational complexity.
The exercise is also notable as the IAF’s first international air drill in 2026 (as reported), reflecting a deliberate focus on early-year operational diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific.
Participating aircraft and support assets
The drill brings together frontline fighter platforms and force multipliers:
- Fighters: IAF Su-30MKI multirole fighters train alongside RTAF Saab Gripen aircraft.
- Force multipliers (IAF): AWACS/AEW&C for airborne surveillance and battle management, plus IL-78 mid-air refuellers to extend range and endurance—critical for sustained operations over maritime spaces.
This combination shifts the exercise beyond basic fighter manoeuvres into networked operations, where situational awareness, data sharing, and refuelling plans influence mission outcomes.
Strategic objectives and UPSC relevance
The declared focus is interoperability—aligning tactics, procedures, and communication standards so both air forces can cooperate effectively during contingencies or cooperative missions. Operating near a key maritime corridor also strengthens shared signalling on sea-lane security, surveillance, and the ability to operate in congested, high-traffic environments.
Link to Act East–Act West
India–Thailand relations are often framed through complementary regional approaches: Thailand’s “Act West” and India’s “Act East,” with defence and security cooperation acting as a practical connector. For UPSC Mains, this exercise is a strong case study for “India’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” “maritime security,” and “defence diplomacy” with ASEAN partners.
Institutional basis: 2012 Defence MoU
The exercise also builds on the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, signed on 25 January 2012, under which defence dialogue, exchanges, training, and other cooperation mechanisms have been pursued. Such documents matter in UPSC answers because they show continuity—exercises and visits are not isolated events but part of an institutional relationship.
Quick Prelims pointers
- Countries: India (IAF) and Thailand (RTAF).
- Dates: Feb 9–13, 2026.
- Location: Near Andaman & Nicobar Islands / North Malacca Strait region.
- Key platforms: Su-30MKI and Gripen; IAF AWACS/AEW&C and IL-78.
- Defence framework: India–Thailand Defence Cooperation MoU (25 Jan 2012).
FAQs
Q1. What is the India–Thailand “in-situ” air exercise (Feb 2026)?
It is a joint IAF–RTAF air exercise conducted from February 9–13, 2026 to enhance operational coordination and interoperability.
Q2. Why is the Malacca Strait region important?
It is a high-traffic maritime corridor linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is operationally relevant for surveillance and sea-lane security.
Q3. Which fighter aircraft are participating?
IAF Su-30MKI fighters are exercising alongside Thailand’s Saab Gripen aircraft.
Q4. What support assets are involved from the Indian side?
Reports mention AWACS/AEW&C aircraft and IL-78 aerial refuellers participating, which increases realism for maritime-range missions.
Q5. What is the institutional basis of India–Thailand defence cooperation?
India and Thailand signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation on 25 January 2012, and current initiatives include dialogue, exchanges, training and exercises.
