IAF–RTAF Joint Air Exercise Near Malacca Strait Demonstrates Indo-Thai Defence Cooperation
New Delhi, 12 February 2026 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conducted their first international air exercise of 2026, signaling stronger Indo-Thai defence ties. The joint on-site drills featured IAF Su-30MKI multirole fighters alongside RTAF JAS 39 Gripen aircraft. The exercise took place near the Strait of Malacca, a critical sea lane that handles a large share of global trade and energy shipments. IAF assets included AWACS and airborne early warning and control aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. RTAF contributed Gripen C/D fighters. Operations were staged from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Thai air bases, focusing on interoperable air‑to‑air and air‑to‑surface tasks.
IAF Su-30MKI and RTAF Gripen aircraft participated
Drills conducted near the Malacca Strait
IAF assets included AWACS, AEW&C, and IL-78 refuellers
Bases used: Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Thai air bases
Emphasis on interoperable air‑to‑air and air‑to‑surface tasks
Feb 11, 2026
India, France Near SCALP Missile Deal After Operational Success
India and France are in advanced discussions to finalize a defence deal for SCALP cruise missiles, following the missiles’ successful combat deployment by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor. The proposed acquisition is valued at around €300 million and reflects growing strategic partnership. SCALP was deployed by Rafale fighters to strike terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last year, alongside BrahMos missiles in other missions. The deal would strengthen India’s long-range strike capabilities and deepen cooperation with France in defence technology and procurement.
India and France near SCALP missile deal
Deal valued at around €300 million
SCALP used in Operation Sindoor by IAF
Rafale jets deployed against terrorist targets
Significant boost to defence cooperation
Feb 10, 2026
India and Greece sign defence industrial cooperation pact
India and Greece signed a joint declaration of intent to deepen defence industrial cooperation. The agreement pursues a structured five-year roadmap for collaboration, focusing on indigenous defence production, maritime security, and secure supply chains. The declaration followed bilateral talks between India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh and Greece’s minister of national defence Nikolaos Georgios Dendias at the Manekshaw Centre. The pact signals a long-term partnership rather than isolated projects and envisions joint research, technology transfers, and co-production. Officials stressed resilience of defence supply chains and closer military exchanges as both countries seek diversified strategic partnerships.
Declaration signed after talks between Rajnath Singh and Nikolaos Dendias
Five-year roadmap for defence industrial cooperation
Focus on indigenous production, maritime security, secure supply chains
Emphasis on joint research, technology transfer, and co-production
Long-term strategic partnership with Greece
Buddy Squadron: South Korea and US begin joint aerial exercise
South Korea and the United States launched the Buddy Squadron joint aerial exercise at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek this week. The drills aim to improve interoperability and integrated tactical capabilities between the two air forces, featuring fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. The exercises will run through Friday and have seen participation expand this year with more aircraft and sorties. Officials say the maneuvers focus on air-to-air combat, formation flight, and real-time data sharing to strengthen readiness against regional security challenges. Analysts note the exercise underscores ongoing security coordination between Washington and Seoul in the Indo-Pacific.
Buddy Squadron exercise started at Osan Air Base
Aims: interoperability and joint tactical capability
Involves fourth- and fifth-generation fighters
Runs through Friday; participation expanded this year
Reflects allied defense posture in the Indo-Pacific
Feb 09, 2026
INS Arnala strengthens India’s indigenous naval capability
INS Arnala, the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, marks a milestone in India’s shift from a ‘Buyers Navy’ to a ‘Builders Navy’ under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Arnala is the lead ship of a new ASW‑SWC class developed for coastal and shallow waters, featuring advanced sensors and propulsion to counter submarine threats near the shoreline. The platform is intended to enhance coastal security, bolster domestic shipbuilding and supply chains, and underline India’s self‑reliance in defence manufacturing. Officials emphasise strategic value for protecting India’s long coastline and maritime interests.
Vessel: INS Arnala (ASW Shallow Water Craft)
Strategic aim: builder’s navy under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Role: coastal and shallow water anti-submarine operations
Headquarters Western Air Command hosted a two-day Joint Operations Conclave as part of the All Domain Joint Operations Exercise 2026. The Defence Ministry stated the aim was to strengthen joint planning, interoperability and intelligence sharing across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Senior officers from the Integrated Defence Staff, Army, Navy, Defence Space Agency and Air Force participated, with emphasis on institutionalising joint mechanisms for planning and capability gap analysis. Air Marshal J. S. Mann underscored the importance of jointness and efficiency, while Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit stressed sustainable multi-domain coordination for future conflicts. (Sources: Defence Ministry briefing; Western Air Command communications, February 2026.)
Two-day Joint Operations Conclave under All Domain Exercise 2026.
Focus on interoperability across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.
Participants included IDS, Army, Navy, DSA and Air Force.
Emphasis on integrated planning and intelligence sharing.
Officials highlighted identification of capability gaps and joint mechanisms.
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