🗞️ Why in News Exercise Udara Shakti 2026, the third edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), concluded at Subang Air Base, Selangor, Malaysia, on August 14, 2026, after running since August 10.
Participating Assets
The IAF fielded 4 Rafale fighters (101 Squadron) and 2 C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft (81 Squadron); the RMAF fielded 2 Su-30MKM fighters (No. 12 Squadron), 2 F/A-18D fighters (No. 18 Squadron) and an A400M transport aircraft (No. 8 Squadron). Exercise directors were Group Captain Parijat Jha (IAF) and Colonel Shamsul Shahreen bin Isa (RMAF).
Background
The exercise focused on joint field training, operational coordination and professional exchange between the two air forces, forming part of India’s Act East Policy and its growing defence engagement with ASEAN nations. Bilateral air exercises of this kind serve both interoperability and strategic-signalling functions within India’s broader Indo-Pacific defence-diplomacy posture.
📌 Facts Corner, Knowledgepedia
Exercise Udara Shakti 2026:
- 3rd edition, IAF-RMAF bilateral air exercise; August 10-14, 2026, Subang Air Base, Selangor, Malaysia
- IAF assets: 4 Rafale (101 Squadron), 2 C-17 Globemaster III (81 Squadron)
- RMAF assets: 2 Su-30MKM (No. 12 Squadron), 2 F/A-18D (No. 18 Squadron), 1 A400M (No. 8 Squadron)
- Exercise directors: Group Captain Parijat Jha (IAF), Colonel Shamsul Shahreen bin Isa (RMAF)
- Policy context: India’s Act East Policy, ASEAN defence engagement
Sources: Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence
Source: Exercise Udara Shakti 2026: IAF-RMAF Bilateral Air Exercise Concludes in Malaysia — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
