New Delhi: The Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have begun Exercise Udara Shakti-26, a bilateral air exercise aimed at strengthening operational cooperation between the two countries. The exercise is being conducted at Subang Airbase, Malaysia, with fighter aircraft from both air forces taking part in joint aerial training. The dates for the exercise have not yet been officially announced.
The IAF is participating with its Rafale fighter aircraft, while the RMAF has deployed its Su-30MKM and F/A-18 fighters. The exercise will provide an opportunity for the two sides to train together, exchange operational experience and improve coordination between their aircrews.
The latest edition builds on the previous Exercise Udara Shakti held in Malaysia from August 5 to 9, 2024. The IAF had participated in that exercise with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, while the RMAF deployed its Su-30MKM fighters.
During the 2024 exercise, IAF Su-30MKIs and Malaysian Su-30MKMs conducted air combat missions together. The training helped aircrew from both sides understand each other’s operational protocols and improve commonality and effectiveness in operating the Su-30 aircraft.
The 2024 exercise also included cooperation between the technical teams of the two air forces. Technical experts exchanged maintenance practices, providing an opportunity to share experience and improve operational efficiency.
Udara Shakti-26 now brings a different mix of aircraft into the bilateral engagement, with the IAF’s Rafale operating alongside the RMAF’s Su-30MKM and F/A-18. The participation of multiple fighter platforms gives the two sides an opportunity to train across different aircraft types and operational capabilities.
Beyond flying activities, the exercise will strengthen the regular defence engagement between India and Malaysia. The exercise will continue with the participating aircraft and personnel focused on joint aerial training, operational learning and improving interoperability between the IAF and RMAF.