India–Thailand Joint In-Situ Air Exercise | 16 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

The Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force are undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise aimed at boosting operational coordination and interoperability between the two air forces. 

Key Points: 

• Exercise: An in-situ air exercise refers to a joint training operation conducted under realistic flight and combat-relevant conditions. 
  • Allowing forces to operate together near operational environments rather than in isolated training simulations. 
• Indian Air Force Assets: India has deployed several of its frontline aerial assets, including Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) platforms, and IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft. 
  • The Royal Thai Air Force is participating with its Gripen multirole fighter aircraft, facilitating joint flight operations and tactical coordination.  
• Objective: The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance operational coordination, interoperability, and mutual understanding in aerial operations between both air forces. 
• Strategic Significance: The exercise highlights expanding defence cooperation between India and Thailand within the broader framework of India’s Act East Policy and Thailand’s Act West Policy. 
• Benefits: Involvement of force multipliers such as Airborne Warning and Control System and aerial refuelling platforms demonstrates advanced integration of surveillance, command and control, and extended mission endurance capabilities.