RTAF Deploying Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile KS-1C in Service at Takhli Air Force Wing 4

22 Februari 2021

KS-1CM Surface to Air Missiles of Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Security Force was displayed at Wing 4 Takhli RTAF Base in 17 February 2021 (photos : AAG)

Medium-range anti-aircraft weapon system KS-1C developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), People's Republic of China it is a self-propelled air defense system that the Royal Thai Air Force has been procuring since year 2016.

One system consists of a KZH-controlled vehicle, a KMZ-search radar, a KLD target-tracking radar, a KBP frequency conversion vehicle, four KFC launchers, one of which has two missiles with a 70km range, which supplies KDP power rocket ball truck and truck tools

The Royal Thai Air Force has deployed the KS-1C medium-range anti-aircraft weapons system into service. Air Force Battalion Yothin Airborne Division 7 Surat Thani, which was first publicly disclosed at the National Children's Day 2017 at Wing 7 by Air Wing 7 with direct flying units, namely The 701 squadron has fighter jets type Saab Gripen C/D 11 aircraft and the 702 squadron has aircraft SAAB 340 AEW (Airborne Early Warning Radar) two Erieye and SAAB 340B 4 aircraft.

The recent sighting of the KS-1C medium-range anti-aircraft weapons system at the Royal Thai Air Force 4 Takhli seems to indicate that the Royal Thai Air Force will at least have an additional KS-1C. 1 The system came before and was put into service in Royal Thai Air Force Corps, Airborne Division 4, which is likely the latest unit.

The Wing 4 has a direct flight unit consisting of 401 Squadron stationed in Fighter Aircraft and Training Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50TH Golden Eagle of 12 aircraft.

Squadron 402 operated by surveillance and training planes Diamond DA42 MMP, totaling 5 aircraft, squadron 403 operated by Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM EMLU Fighting Falcon aircraft, total 18 aircraft, and a 404 squadron operated by two Aeronautics Aerostar tactical unmanned aircraft, one Aeronautics Orbiter II small unmanned aerial vehicle and one medium-range Aeronautics Dominator, etc.

According to the plan in the Royal Thai Air Force White Paper Book 2020, in the Air Base Defense section, it indicates the project for the procurement of base protection systems, Phase 1 fiscal year 2023-2025, Phase 2 2026-2028 and the Third Phase of 2029-2031 for the medium range air defense weapons system (MEDRAD: Medium Range Air Defense) to develop the capability of air defense and ground defense at the base, to support future threats and replace the old systems that have been used for a long time.

(AAG)