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India, Thailand Air Forces Launch Joint Exercise to Boost Defense Ties

The Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force are conducting a joint in-situ air exercise to enhance operational coordination and interoperability. The exercise involves advanced aircraft like the IAF's Su-30MKI and the RTAF's Gripen jets, alongside support platforms. This military cooperation builds upon a 2012 defence MoU and warm bilateral relations spanning over 75 years. The partnership is multifaceted, extending into trade, security, and connectivity, aligned through India's 'Act East' and Thailand's 'Act West' policies.

Key Points: India-Thailand Joint Air Force Exercise Enhances Defense Cooperation

  • Enhances operational coordination
  • Features Su-30MKI & Gripen aircraft
  • Strengthens bilateral defence ties
  • Part of broader strategic partnership
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India, Thai Air Force undertake joint in-situ air exercise

Indian & Royal Thai Air Forces conduct joint in-situ air exercise with Su-30MKI, Gripen jets to boost operational coordination & regional synergy.

"strengthening Indo-Thai defence cooperation and regional synergy - Indian Air Force"

New Delhi, February 11

The Indian Air Force is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force.

The exercise will enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces, the IAF said.

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."

India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations. In contemporary times, the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947, and both sides celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between India and Thailand was signed on 25 January 2012. The ongoing defence cooperation initiatives comprise defence dialogue, joint maritime patrolling by the navies of both countries, annual staff talks, subject matter expert exchange visits, training of officers at each other's institutions, trilateral/multilateral military exercises, etc. As part of regular high-level defence-related visits, Chief of Defence Force of Royal Thai Armed Forces General Songwit Noonpackdee paid an official visit to India from 21-24 January 2025.

The bilateral ties are multifaceted and cover a wide spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Further, the 'Act West' policy of Thailand complements India's 'Act East' policy. Thailand is India's maritime neighbour.

The total number of people of Indian origin in Thailand is estimated to be around 4 to 5 lakh, including more than 25,000 NRIs, the majority of whom are concentrated in Bangkok. The community comprises mainly of Punjabi Hindus, Namdhari and other Sikh sects, Gorakhpuris, Malayalis, Tamils, Gujaratis, Marwaris, and Sindhis. Other linguistic and regional groups are also well represented.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step for defence cooperation. But I hope such exercises also lead to more economic and cultural exchanges. The article mentions the large Indian community there - we should leverage that people-to-people connection more.
R
Rohit P
Our Air Force is world-class! Proud to see the IAF showcasing its capabilities with the Su-30MKI and IL-78. Interoperability with friendly nations is key in today's geopolitics. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Bangkok, it's heartening to see this cooperation. The Indian community here is vibrant and such exercises make us feel more connected to home. The 'Act East' and 'Act West' policy alignment is smart diplomacy.
V
Vikram M
While I support military preparedness, I respectfully question the cost of these large-scale exercises. Could some resources be better allocated to domestic needs? Just a thought.
K
Karthik V
Thailand is a key maritime neighbour. Joint exercises like this send a strong message about securing sea lanes and promoting a free & open Indo-Pacific. Good move by the government.

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