Subang, Aug 2026 : India and Malaysia have commenced Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 at Subang Air Base in Selangor, bringing together advanced fighter aircraft and air crews from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for an intensive programme focused on operational learning, tactical coordination and interoperability.
The bilateral exercise, being conducted from August 10 to 14, features a three-day flying phase from August 11 to 13. It involves around 83 personnel and 11 aircraft from the two countries and provides an opportunity for both air forces to train together in complex operational scenarios.
The IAF has deployed four Rafale fighter aircraft from 101 Squadron along with two C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft from 81 Squadron. The participation of Rafales is particularly significant as it marks the first time the French-origin fighters have taken part in Exercise Udara Shakti since their induction into the Indian Air Force in 2020.
Malaysia has fielded two Su-30MKM fighters from No. 12 Squadron and two F/A-18D Hornets from No. 18 Squadron. The Malaysian contingent also includes an Airbus A400M transport aircraft from No. 8 Squadron.
The exercise is designed to expose air crews from both countries to different aircraft capabilities and operating philosophies while improving their ability to coordinate during demanding air combat situations. The IAF said air warriors from both nations are participating in joint field training and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation under the message: “Train together. Learn together. Operate together.”
The opening ceremony was held at the Air Warfare Centre Auditorium at Subang Air Base. Colonel Shamsul Shahreen Isa of the RMAF and Group Captain Parijat Jha of the IAF jointly officiated the event, which included the symbolic pinning of exercise patches. Indian Defence Adviser to Malaysia Colonel Praveen Sukumaran was also present.
The flying component includes Dissimilar Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (DBFM), Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) and aerial photography missions, or PHOTEX. These activities are intended to improve tactical awareness, decision-making and coordination when operating different fighter platforms in complex combat environments.
The dissimilar combat training component is particularly important because it allows pilots to understand the strengths and limitations of different aircraft types. Such exercises can help improve the ability of air crews to anticipate adversary tactics, coordinate manoeuvres and operate effectively in mixed-aircraft formations.
The exercise also extends beyond flying operations. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges provide an avenue for Indian and Malaysian personnel to discuss collective training methodologies, integrated operations, doctrine development, scenario planning and the role of science and technology in modern military training.
Exercise Udara Shakti is a biennial bilateral initiative between India and Malaysia. Earlier editions were held in 2018, 2022 and 2024, with Indian Su-30MKI fighters participating in previous iterations. The 2026 edition therefore represents a significant evolution, with India’s Rafale fighters making their debut in the exercise.
The Indian contingent is participating in Udara Shakti during its transit following its involvement in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia, which concluded on August 7. The multinational exercise brought together around 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 20 nations, including India and Malaysia.
Pitch Black 2026 featured a wide range of advanced aircraft and participating air forces from countries including the United States, Japan, Indonesia, France, Germany, Spain, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Japan’s F-35 Lightning II and Indonesia’s T-50I Golden Eagle also made notable appearances during the exercise.
The transition from Pitch Black to Udara Shakti highlights the Indian Air Force’s growing engagement in multinational and bilateral air exercises across the Indo-Pacific. Such engagements provide Indian air crews with opportunities to operate alongside partner air forces and gain experience in diverse operational environments.
For Malaysia, the exercise offers an opportunity to enhance the readiness of its fighter fleet and deepen cooperation with one of Asia’s major air forces. For India, it reinforces its expanding defence engagement with Southeast Asian partners and supports the broader objective of strengthening security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The commencement of Udara Shakti 2026 therefore reflects the growing defence relationship between India and Malaysia. Through advanced flying missions, tactical exchanges and professional interaction, the exercise is expected to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding while contributing to greater cooperation and stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
