Malaysia’s Su-30MKM “Battles” India’s Su-30MKI in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets are currently participating in a joint air exercise called Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 (EX US24).

 This is the second time RMAF is hosting the exercise, which is taking place at the RMAF Base in Kuantan from August 5 to August 9.

According to an RMAF social media statement, this bilateral air exercise is conducted based on the Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) concepts.

“The main objective of EX US24 is to strengthen the bilateral defense relationship that has been established for over 60 years between the two air forces.”

“Additionally, this exercise enhances interoperability in conducting tactical joint training through the exchange of information and experiences, indirectly benefiting the development of technology and tactics in aviation operations,” the RMAF statement said.

 

The opening ceremony of EX US24 featured remarks from the IAF Team Leader, Group Captain Ajay Rathi, and an opening address by the Exercise Director (EXDIR), Colonel Abdul Rahim Jusoh of the RMAF.

The Exercise Director also presented patches to IAF participants.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, Ms. Subhashini Narayanan, and senior RMAF officers from the Kuantan Air Base.

Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 includes air combat involving seven Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from both RMAF and IAF over Kuantan’s airspace.

Concurrently, EX US24 activities are enriched with Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) discussions aimed at sharing expertise, insights, and skills in aviation and engineering for the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.

 

The exercise also features HOP EX (EX US24) where pilots from both RMAF and IAF swap aircraft—Sukhoi Su-30MKM and Su-30MKI—to engage in air combat.

 One of the main goals of HOP EX is to test aircraft readiness, share combat tactics, and explore differences in aircraft equipment functionality.

The Indian Air Force is one of the largest operators of Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, alongside the Russian Air Force.

The IAF is believed to have around 260 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, with a significant number of these aircraft being license-built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

 

The IAF’s variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet is called the Su-30MKI (Modernizirovannyy Kommercheskiy Indiyskiy, meaning “Modernised Commercial for India”), and it is the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

The Su-30MKI integrates components and equipment from Russian, Indian, French, and Israeli companies.

The Indian Air Force is expected to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighter jets to the “Super Flanker” standard. — DSA