Malaysia: Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 has officially started in Malaysia, marking another important step in defence cooperation between India and Malaysia. The joint air force exercise is being held at Subang Air Base in Selangor and brings together personnel, fighter aircraft, and transport aircraft from both countries. According to official information released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the exercise aims to improve operational coordination, interoperability, and professional exchange between the two air forces.
India And Malaysia Launch Exercise Udara Shakti 2026
The Indian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force began Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 on August 13 at Subang Air Base in Malaysia. The bilateral exercise focuses on improving cooperation between the two countries through joint training, knowledge sharing, and operational coordination. Officials from both air forces said the exercise is designed to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen defence ties.
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Exercise Udara Shakti 2026: Indian Rafale Fighters Make Their Debut
A major highlight of this year’s exercise is the participation of Indian Rafale fighter jets. This marks the first time Rafale aircraft have taken part in Exercise Udara Shakti since their induction into the Indian Air Force.
India has deployed four Rafale fighters from No. 101 Squadron along with two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Malaysia has fielded two Su-30MKM fighters and two F/A-18D Hornet aircraft for the exercise.
What are the Main Focus Areas of Exercise Udara Shakti 2026
The exercise includes a three-day flying phase from August 11 to August 13. Training activities include:
- Dissimilar Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (DBFM)
- Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT)
- Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR)
- Aerial Photography Missions (PHOTEX)
These drills are designed to improve combat readiness and allow pilots to operate alongside different aircraft platforms.
Personnel And Aircraft Participation
Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 involves:
- 83 military personnel
- 11 aircraft
- Fighter jets and transport aircraft from both nations
The joint missions aim to improve tactical coordination, decision-making, and operational effectiveness in complex combat environments.
Exchange Of Knowledge And Best Practices
Apart from flying activities, the exercise also includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. Military experts from both countries are discussing modern warfare concepts, doctrine development, training methods, and the role of emerging technologies in air operations. These interactions help both air forces learn from each other’s experiences and operational practices.
Follows Participation In Exercise Pitch Black
The exercise comes shortly after India participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia. That multinational exercise involved aircraft and personnel from several countries, including India, the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and others. The experience gained during Pitch Black is expected to support India’s participation in Udara Shakti 2026.
Strengthening India-Malaysia Defence Relations
Exercise Udara Shakti has become an important platform for defence cooperation between India and Malaysia. Previous editions were held in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
The 2026 edition reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening military partnerships and supporting regional security in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials said the exercise will further improve interoperability and contribute to stronger defence engagement between the two nations.
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