India–Thailand Air Exercise:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an In-situ Exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), expanding strategic partnership under India’s Act East Policy 2014.The IAF deployed Su-30MKI multirole fighters, IL-78 mid-air refuelling tankers, and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The RTAF participated with its SAAB Gripen jets. IAF forces operated from airbases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Thai Gripens operated from bases within Thailand.It aimed to demonstrate IAF’s reach and interoperability with a Friendly Foreign Country (FFC) in the IOR, highlighting the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) as a forward hub.This exercise reflects the deepening “Act East” partnership between India and Thailand, expanding into the aerospace domain.This is complemented by Thailand’s own ‘Act West’ policy 2016, which aligns with India’s regional outreach, underpinned by their maritime proximity.
