The annual joint fighter jet exercise between Thailand and China resumed this month after being suspended for two years amid the pandemic, according to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
This falcon strike The drills, which have been conducted four times since 2015, began on Aug. 14 at a base northeast of Udon Thani that was home to U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.
The drill, scheduled for June, comes within a month of China’s large-scale exercise in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, in what Beijing sees as a show of military might following a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. own island.
Thailand is America’s oldest ally in Asia, but relations have been complicated by a 2014 military coup. Thailand has sought to strengthen ties with China and has made several defense purchases from the country.
RTAF, one of the most well-equipped air forces in the region, has historically used American aircraft and is looking to procure F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin to replace some of its aging F-16s.
According to an Air Force source, RTAF will not deploy its F-16s for the exercise with China, but will deploy five Saab Gripen aircraft, three Dassault/Dornier Alphajet attack jets and a Saab 340 airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
China is expected to send six J-10C/S fighter jets, one JH-7AI fighter-bomber and one Shaanxi KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to participate in the exercise. Key training courses will include air support, ground targeting, small and large force deployments.
David Oliver
