Exercise Udara Shakti 2026

Why in News?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) commenced Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 on 10 August 2026. The five-day bilateral air exercise is being conducted at Subang Air Base, Malaysia, and will continue until 14 August 2026.

The exercise focuses on improving interoperability, air combat coordination, aerial refuelling, and strategic airlift capabilities between the two air forces.

What is Exercise Udara Shakti?

Udara Shakti is a bilateral air exercise between India and Malaysia. The 2026 edition brings together 83 personnel from both air forces.

The opening ceremony was held at the Air Warfare Centre at Subang Air Base. It was inaugurated by Colonel Shamsul Shahreen bin Isa, RMAF Exercise Director, and Group Captain Parijat Jha, IAF Exercise Director. Colonel Praveen Sukumaran, Indian Defence Adviser, also attended the ceremony.

Bilateral exercises help participating forces understand each other’s operational procedures. They also improve communication and interoperability during complex missions.

Aircraft Participating in Udara Shakti 2026

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

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has deployed:

• Two Su-30MKM fighter aircraft from No. 12 Squadron.
• Two F/A-18D fighter aircraft from No. 18 Squadron.
• One A400M transport aircraft from No. 8 Squadron.

The Rafale is a twin-engine multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation of France. The Su-30MKM is Malaysia’s variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 family.

The C-17 Globemaster III provides strategic airlift capability. The A400M is a military transport aircraft designed for tactical and strategic airlift missions.

Operational Focus

The exercise includes complex air combat manoeuvring, air-to-air refuelling, and strategic airlift operations. These activities help pilots and support crews practise coordinated missions under realistic operational conditions.

The exercise also includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs). These exchanges allow personnel to discuss tactics, procedures, operational experiences, and best practices.

Joint field training and SME exchanges continued at Subang Air Base on 13 August 2026.

Related Information

Military exercises such as Udara Shakti contribute to India’s wider defence engagement with Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region. They provide opportunities to strengthen operational understanding and build confidence between participating armed forces.

Interoperability refers to the ability of forces from different countries to operate together effectively. It involves compatible communication systems, common procedures, coordinated tactics, and mutual understanding of operational practices.

India and Malaysia also cooperate through other defence engagements, including maritime cooperation and military training. Such engagements support India’s broader Act East Policy and its growing strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Exercise: Udara Shakti 2026.
• Participants: Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
• Type: Bilateral air exercise.
• Dates: 10–14 August 2026.
• Venue: Subang Air Base, Malaysia.
• Personnel: 83 from both air forces.
• IAF Aircraft: 4 Rafale and 2 C-17 Globemaster III.
• IAF Squadrons: No. 101 Squadron and No. 81 Squadron.
• RMAF Aircraft: 2 Su-30MKM, 2 F/A-18D and 1 A400M.
• RMAF Squadrons: No. 12, 18 and 8 Squadrons.
• Major Training Areas: Air combat manoeuvring, air-to-air refuelling and strategic airlift.
• Rafale Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation, France.
• C-17: Strategic military transport aircraft.
• Su-30MKM: Malaysian variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 family.
• Host Air Base: Subang Air Base.
• Key Concept: Interoperability between the two air forces.
• Additional Activity: Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs).