The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have commenced Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 at Subang Air Base in Malaysia, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two air forces.
The exercise brings personnel from India and Malaysia together for joint field training and Subject Matter Expert exchanges. The training is focused on improving operational understanding, sharing best practices and developing greater familiarity with each other’s procedures and approaches to air operations.
The Indian Air Force said the exercise is designed around the principle of training, learning and operating together. Such engagements provide air warriors from both countries with an opportunity to understand different operational practices while developing the coordination required for combined air activities.
Exercise Udara Shakti also provides an important platform for professional interaction between the two air forces. Through joint training and specialist-level discussions, personnel can exchange operational experience and identify areas where procedures and practices can be better aligned.
The 2026 edition comes as India continues to expand its engagement with friendly air forces across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. For Malaysia, cooperation with the IAF provides an opportunity to strengthen operational familiarity with one of the region’s major air forces while building professional links between the two services.
The exercise follows the earlier India-Malaysia air engagement conducted in 2024, when IAF Su-30MKI fighters participated alongside Malaysian Su-30MKM aircraft. The recurring nature of Udara Shakti reflects the continuing defence relationship between the two countries and their interest in maintaining regular military-to-military interaction.
Udara Shakti 2026 is therefore more than a routine training engagement. It contributes to building mutual confidence, improving interoperability and strengthening the ability of Indian and Malaysian air personnel to work with greater understanding of each other’s operational methods.
With both sides continuing to emphasise joint training and professional exchanges, the exercise is expected to further deepen India-Malaysia defence cooperation and support greater operational coordination between the two air forces.