Malaysia’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM and U.S. Super Hornets, F-35Cs Participate in DACT Air Exercise

According to captions accompanying photographs uploaded by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense on January 26, the RMAF was represented by two Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets in the DACT exercise.
Malaysia’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM and U.S. Super Hornets, F-35Cs Participate in DACT Air Exercise
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Fighter jets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the United States conducted an aerial exercise known as Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) in Malaysian airspace on January 24.
According to captions accompanying photographs uploaded by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense on January 26, the RMAF was represented by two Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets in the DACT exercise.
Meanwhile, the U.S. side was represented by an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Stingers” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113.
Also participating in the exercise were two F-35C fighter jets from the “Warhawks” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, which operate from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), a key component of Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2).
“The United States and Malaysia work together as comprehensive partners to enhance combined air warfare capabilities and support their shared goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is currently conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations,” according to the captions accompanying the photos uploaded by DVIDS, showing DACT exercises between Malaysian and U.S. fighter aircraft.
Su-30MKM
Photo by Lt.Cmdr. Devin Arneson
USS Carl Vinson
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 23, 2025) Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE, and Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), observe flight operations with officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Malaysian government officials, Jan. 23, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)
DVIDS published three photographs of the DACT exercise between the two nations, taken by Lt. Cmdr. Devin Arneson.
Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) is an air combat exercise involving different types, models, or configurations of fighter aircraft to simulate real-world combat scenarios.
The training aims to enhance pilots’ capabilities in handling diverse threats, strengthen air combat tactics, and develop more effective offensive and defensive strategies.
During DACT, pilots engage in combat against aircraft with distinct strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to understand adversary tactics and adapt their flight and combat techniques accordingly.
This training is widely used by air forces worldwide to ensure operational readiness against foreign fighter jets with varied performance and capabilities.
In December last year, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and other escorting warships from the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, along with 7,500 U.S. military personnel, made a port call at Port Klang, Malaysia.
Photo by Lt.Cmdr. Devin Arneson
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 23, 2025) Members of the U.S. Defense Attaché Office in Malaysia and Malaysian government officials and military members pose for a group photo in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 23, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Ostas)
Malaysia is a key partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific. Our visit underscores the importance of this partnership to the U.S.,” said Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, Commander of Carrier Strike Group ONE (CSG-1), as quoted by DVIDS during his visit to Malaysia.
“Our port visit to Port Klang provides us with a vital and unique opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Malaysian Navy, continuing efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation that benefits both nations,” he added.
Approximately one month before the USS Carl Vinson’s arrival, another U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), also made a port visit to Malaysia at Port Klang.
In a statement marking USS Carl Vinson’s visit, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, highlighted the significance of these engagements in reinforcing bilateral security ties.
USS Carl Vinson at Port Klang last December (kredit TLDM)
“The back-to-back visits of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the USS Abraham Lincoln to Malaysia showcase the strength of our security relationship—a solid foundation of the Malaysia-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership,” said Ambassador Kagan.
“Built on decades of close cooperation, we continue to strengthen this security partnership and remain committed to working alongside Malaysia in advancing our shared vision for a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA

DVIDSF-35CRMAFSukhoi Su-30MKMSuper HornetUS
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