Inside the India-Thailand air exercise: From Su-30MKI to AWACS - IAF shows off key assets

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces.

In a post on X, the IAF said, “IAF is undertaking joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The exercise will enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces. IAF Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C and IL-78 refuelling aircraft are participating in the Ex, alongside RTAF Gripen aircraft, strengthening Indo-Thai defence cooperation and regional synergy.”






The exercise features frontline assets from both sides, including IAF fighter, surveillance and refuelling platforms and Thailand’s Gripen aircraft.

India and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1947 and marked the 75th anniversary of ties in 2022. Defence cooperation between the two countries is guided by a Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 25, 2012. Engagements include defence dialogue, joint maritime patrols, annual staff talks, exchange visits, training programmes and participation in multilateral exercises. Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy complements India’s ‘Act East’ outreach, and the two countries share maritime proximity.

IAF Su-30MKI

The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, multirole air dominance fighter and forms the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet. Designed for air superiority, deep strike and maritime operations, it is capable of carrying a heavy weapons load and performing long-range missions. Its thrust vectoring engines enhance manoeuvrability, while advanced radar and electronic warfare systems enable network-centric operations. The aircraft provides the offensive edge during joint drills.

AWACS

Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft serve as flying command centres. Equipped with long-range radar, they provide 360-degree surveillance and track multiple aerial targets simultaneously. AWACS platforms extend situational awareness far beyond ground radar coverage and coordinate fighter aircraft during complex air operations, improving real-time battle management.

AEW&C

Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft supplement larger AWACS systems. These platforms conduct tactical airspace monitoring, detect hostile aircraft and support coordinated responses. The indigenous AEW&C system enhances layered air defence capability and enables rapid deployment for regional surveillance during exercises and contingencies.

IL-78 Refuelling Aircraft

The IL-78 is the IAF’s dedicated aerial refuelling tanker. It extends the operational range and endurance of fighter jets by enabling mid-air refuelling. This capability allows combat aircraft to undertake longer missions and sustain operations without returning to base, making it a key force multiplier in joint exercises.

Bilateral ties between India and Thailand span trade, defence, connectivity, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian-origin community in Thailand is estimated at 400,000 to 500,000, including more than 25,000 non-resident Indians, largely concentrated in Bangkok.

The ongoing exercise underscores expanding Indo-Thai defence engagement and efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation.