KUANTAN: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are conducting a six-day joint exercise – Exercise Udarashakti 2022 (EX US22) – in the Kuantan airspace and surrounding areas.

The RMAF, in a statement here Saturday (Aug 13), said during the exercise, the RMAF and IAF aircraft will perform tactical flights by flying low in certain areas that had been gazetted for the purpose.

“The public is advised not to be alarmed and worried if they see RMAF and IAF aircraft flying low during the exercise period,” it said.

It said the Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) between RMAF and IAF was conducted to strengthen the professional relationship between the two air forces.

The exercise, which began on Friday (Aug 12), will also improve interoperability in conducting joint exercises at the tactical level, building and strengthening bilateral military relations, as well as sharing of skills and experience, it said.

“IAF is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su-30 MKM aircraft,” the IAF said in a statement. The exercise is being held in the RMAF base of Kuantan.

The exercise will give an opportunity to the IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from the RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities, the IAF added.

The exercise will witness various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces, the IAF said, adding that it would fortify the long-standing bond of friendship and enhance the avenues of defence cooperation between the two Air Forces, thereby augmenting security in the region.

In recent years, India in addition to exercises and military exchanges has offered a range of major military hardware to countries in the region and there has been positive response from many.

For instance, India has offered the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas to Malaysia and to incentivise the offer has offered a Su-30 support package for the jets in the RMAF’s inventory.