Exercise Udara Shakti 2026: India-Malaysia Joint Air Exercise — Rafale's First Participation, DACT, and Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) conducted Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 at Subang Air Base, Selangor, Malaysia from August 10–14, 2026. Notably, this was the first time Rafale fighters participated in Udara Shakti since their induction into the IAF in 2020. The exercise involved Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), air-to-air refuelling, and doctrinal exchanges, strengthening India-Malaysia defence ties in the context of India's Indo-Pacific strategy.
At a glance
Exercise Udara Shakti 2026: IAF-RMAF bilateral air exercise, Subang Air Base, Malaysia, August 10–14, 2026. First Rafale participation in Udara Shakti since 2020 induction.
Rafale fighters (No. 101 Sqn) flew for first time in Udara Shakti. DACT, DBFM, air-to-air refuelling with RMAF Su-30MKM and F/A-18D. 83 personnel, 11 aircraft.
India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Agreement; Air Force Act 1950; Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) — IGA route for Rafale; SAGAR Framework; Act East Policy.
Enhance IAF-RMAF interoperability; strengthen India-Malaysia defence ties; advance India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific presence; provide Rafale DACT experience with dissimilar aircraft.
Timeline
Why in News
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) successfully conducted Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 at Subang Air Base, Selangor, Malaysia, from August 10–14, 2026 (flying phase: August 11–13). The exercise involved 83 personnel and 11 aircraft from both sides, including India's Rafale fighters making their first-ever participation in Udara Shakti since their induction into the IAF in 2020. The bilateral air exercise focused on Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), Dissimilar Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (DBFM), air-to-air refuelling (AAR), and doctrinal exchanges — deepening interoperability between the two nations' air forces and reinforcing India's defence partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Background
Exercise Udara Shakti (meaning "Air Power" in both Hindi and Malay) is a bilateral air exercise between India and Malaysia, conducted periodically since 2018. It is part of the broader India-Malaysia defence cooperation framework, which encompasses training exchanges, joint patrol protocols, and strategic dialogue. Malaysia is a key Southeast Asian partner for India under its Act East Policy, which prioritises engagement with ASEAN nations on trade, connectivity, and security.
India and Malaysia signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement that forms the legal framework for such exercises. Both countries share a common interest in freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca — one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints through which over 30% of global trade passes. India's growing profile as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific makes exercises like Udara Shakti strategically significant beyond their immediate training value.
The Rafale was inducted into the IAF in 2020 (No. 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' was the first; No. 101 Squadron participated in Udara Shakti 2026). It is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation, France. India's Rafale purchase (36 aircraft) was a government-to-government deal under the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) route — a procurement method outside the standard Defence Procurement Procedure.
Constitutional provisions
Supreme Command of the Defence Forces of the Union is vested in the President
Defence of India — Parliament’s exclusive power; bilateral defence agreements fall under Union executive powers
Union executive power extends to defence; Central Government concludes bilateral defence treaties and exercises agreements