IAF, Royal Thai Air Force hold joint air combat exercise in Indian Ocean Region
New Delhi, February 13. The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a four-day in-situ air combat exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from February 9 to 12 in a significant boost to bilateral military cooperation and operational synergy.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the exercise featured advanced fighter platforms from both sides, with the IAF deploying its Su-30MKI multirole fighters while the RTAF fielded its SAAB Gripen jets. The drill focused on enhancing air combat capabilities, strengthening interoperability and fostering greater mutual understanding between the two air forces.
To support extended-range maritime operations, the IAF deployed its IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, enabling sustained fighter missions over the oceanic theatre. The exercise also leveraged enhanced surveillance and command-and-control capabilities. The IAF operated its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, while the RTAF utilised its Ground Control Interception (GCI) elements to coordinate air operations.
IAF assets operated from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, underlining India’s strategic reach in the eastern Indian Ocean, while Thai Gripens flew from airbases in Thailand. The drill demonstrated the IAF’s long-range operational capability and its ability to seamlessly integrate with a friendly foreign country in complex air combat scenarios.
The exercise provided valuable operational exposure to personnel on both sides and facilitated the exchange of best practices in air combat tactics and command coordination.
The engagement reflects the deepening of India’s Act East Policy, with defence and aerospace cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the expanding strategic partnership between India and Thailand.
