Exercise Udara Shakti 2026:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in Exercise Udara Shakti 2026, a bilateral air exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) at Subang Airbase, Malaysia.
- The exercise reflects India’s growing defence cooperation with Southeast Asian partners under its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, following the IAF’s participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
- Udara Shakti is a bilateral air exercise between India and Malaysia aimed at enhancing air combat capabilities, operational interoperability, tactical coordination and mutual understanding between the IAF and RMAF.
- The IAF deployed four Rafale fighter aircraft from 101 Squadron along with two C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft. The RMAF participated with Su-30MKM fighter aircraft, F/A-18D Hornets and an A400M transport aircraft.
- The exercise involved high-intensity combat sorties, dissimilar air combat training, dissimilar basic fighter manoeuvres and air-to-air refuelling operations to improve combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
- The exercise included exchanges on training doctrines, integrated operations, mission planning and maintenance practices, enabling both air forces to share best practices and operational experiences.
- Exercise Udara Shakti strengthened India–Malaysia defence relations, enhanced the ability of both air forces to operate together, and contributed to regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Other Military Exercises Between India and Malaysia: Samudra Laksamana (Indian Navy) and Exercise Harimau Shakti (Indian Army).
