Udara Shakti 2026

Udara Shakti 2026 began on 10 August 2026 as a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). The five-day exercise is being conducted at Subang Air Base in Malaysia and is scheduled to continue until 14 August.

The exercise brings personnel and aircraft from both air forces together for joint training. It focuses on improving operational coordination, sharing experience and developing the ability of the two air forces to work together during complex air operations.

The opening ceremony was held at the Air Warfare Centre at Subang Air Base. RMAF Exercise Director Colonel Shamsul Shahreen bin Isa and IAF Exercise Director Group Captain Parijat Jha led the respective delegations during the inauguration. Indian Defence Adviser Colonel Praveen Sukumaran also attended the opening event.

Indian Air Force Aircraft Take Part

The Indian Air Force has deployed four Rafale fighter aircraft from No. 101 Squadron for the exercise. It has also sent two C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft from No. 81 Squadron.

The Rafale is a twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation. The aircraft can perform different missions, including air combat and other operational roles.

The C-17 Globemaster III, meanwhile, is a large strategic transport aircraft used for moving personnel, equipment and other cargo over long distances. Its participation adds an important airlift element to the exercise.

The combination of fighter and transport aircraft allows the exercise to cover different aspects of air operations rather than focusing only on fighter combat.

Malaysian Air Force Participation

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has deployed two Su-30MKM fighter aircraft from No. 12 Squadron and two F/A-18D fighter aircraft from No. 18 Squadron.

Malaysia has also deployed an A400M transport aircraft from No. 8 Squadron. The A400M is a modern military transport aircraft designed for strategic and tactical airlift operations.

The participation of different aircraft types provides both air forces with an opportunity to train alongside platforms with different capabilities and operating procedures.

Focus on Air Combat Training

One of the main areas of Udara Shakti 2026 is complex air combat manoeuvring. Fighter pilots from India and Malaysia can use such training to practise coordinated operations and improve their understanding of different tactics and procedures.

The exercise also includes air-to-air refuelling training. Air-to-air refuelling allows aircraft to receive fuel while flying, helping extend their operational range and time in the air.

Strategic airlift operations are another important component. These activities involve the movement of personnel and equipment using large military transport aircraft.

Together, these activities provide a broad training environment involving fighter operations, support activities and long-range air mobility.

Around 83 Personnel Involved

Around 83 personnel from the two air forces are participating in the exercise. Their involvement extends beyond pilots and aircraft crews to include personnel responsible for planning, technical support and other operational functions.

Military exercises often involve extensive coordination between different teams. Aircraft maintenance, communication, mission planning and safety arrangements are all important for successful joint flying activities.

Such exercises also provide an opportunity for personnel to understand how another air force plans and conducts operations.

Subject Matter Expert Exchanges

Joint field training and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges were continuing at Subang Air Base on 13 August 2026.

These exchanges allow military professionals to share knowledge about operational procedures, tactics and technical practices. They can help participating forces understand differences in their systems while identifying areas where cooperation can be improved.

For India and Malaysia, these professional interactions are an important part of broader defence engagement between the two countries.

Strengthening India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation

The exercise reflects the growing defence relationship between India and Malaysia. Both countries maintain military-to-military cooperation through exercises, training programmes and professional exchanges.

Air exercises are particularly useful because modern air operations require high levels of coordination. Pilots and support personnel need to understand communication procedures, safety practices and operational methods when working with another country’s forces.

Udara Shakti 2026 provides a practical environment for developing this familiarity.

Importance of Interoperability

A major purpose of bilateral military exercises is to improve interoperability. In simple terms, interoperability means the ability of forces from different countries to work together effectively.

For air forces, this can involve communication procedures, flight coordination, mission planning, refuelling methods and other operational practices.

Regular exercises help personnel become familiar with each other’s systems. This can make future cooperation smoother and improve mutual understanding between the participating forces.

India’s Broader Defence Engagement

The exercise also comes at a time when India is expanding defence cooperation with countries across the Indo-Pacific region. Joint exercises provide opportunities for armed forces to build professional relationships while gaining experience in operating in different environments.

India’s participation with Malaysia also reflects the importance of Southeast Asia in India’s wider regional engagement. Defence cooperation is one part of India’s broader relationship with Malaysia, alongside trade, connectivity, education and technology.

The presence of advanced aircraft such as the Rafale and C-17 on the Indian side, along with Malaysia’s Su-30MKM, F/A-18D and A400M, gives Udara Shakti 2026 a diverse training environment.

The five-day exercise is scheduled to continue through 14 August 2026, with joint flying activities, field training and professional exchanges forming the core of the India-Malaysia air cooperation programme.