Fighter jets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the United States engaged in an aerial exercise called Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) within Malaysian airspace on January 24. As noted in captions from photographs released by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) on January 26, the RMAF participated with two Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets. The U.S. contingent included an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Bounty Hunters” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Stingers” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113.

Additionally, two F-35C fighter jets from the “Warhawks” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, operating from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), also took part in the exercise. This collaboration underscores the partnership between the United States and Malaysia in enhancing their combined air warfare capabilities and supporting their mutual objective of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The USS Vinson, serving as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is currently engaged in routine operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, as highlighted in the DVIDS photo captions depicting the DACT exercises involving Malaysian and U.S. fighter aircraft.

DVIDS has released three images from the DACT exercise conducted between the two nations, captured by Lt. Cmdr. Devin Arneson.

Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) involves an air combat exercise that utilizes various types, models, or configurations of fighter aircraft to replicate real-world combat situations. The primary objective of this training is to improve pilots’ skills in managing a range of threats, enhance air combat tactics, and formulate more effective offensive and defensive strategies.

During DACT, pilots engage in simulated combat against aircraft that possess unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to gain insights into enemy tactics and adjust their flight and combat methods accordingly.

This type of training is extensively employed by air forces globally to maintain operational readiness against foreign fighter jets with diverse performance characteristics.

In December of the previous year, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and accompanying warships from the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, along with 7,500 U.S. military personnel, made a port call at Port Klang, Malaysia.

“Malaysia is a crucial partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific. Our visit highlights the significance of this partnership to the U.S.,” stated Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, Commander of Carrier Strike Group ONE (CSG-1), as reported by DVIDS during his visit to Malaysia. “Our port visit to Port Klang offers a vital and unique opportunity to work alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy, furthering our efforts to enhance strategic cooperation that benefits both nations,” he added.

Approximately one month prior to the USS Carl Vinson’s arrival, another U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), also visited Malaysia at Port Klang.

In a statement regarding the USS Carl Vinson’s visit, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, emphasized the importance of these interactions in strengthening bilateral security relations.

“The recent visits of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the USS Abraham Lincoln to Malaysia demonstrate the robustness of our security alliance, which is a key element of the Malaysia-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership,” Ambassador Kagan remarked.

“Rooted in decades of collaboration, we are dedicated to enhancing this security partnership and are committed to collaborating with Malaysia to promote our mutual vision for a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”