RTAF Demonstrates the Network-Centric Operation of the Gripen C/D

05 November 2021

Demonstration of air operations using the network-centric operation was held on October 26, 2021 (photos : RTAF)

Demonstration of the performance and capability of network-centric air operations (NCO: Network Centric Operation) to extend to multi-domain operations (MDO: Multi Domain Operation) based on Tactical Data Links of the Thai Army (Data Link TH).

Wing 7 has been flying fighter aircraft Saab Gripen (local name : Type 20) Saab Gripen D, number 70101 and 70102 of Squadron 701 with airborne early warning aircraft Saab 40 AEW/B Erieye Squadron 702 over the Gulf of Thailand.

On October 26, 2021, it was the latest demonstration of the capability of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to supply an integrated air defense system from Sweden under the Peace Suvarnabhumi project full service 10 years since the year 2010. 

The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) has looked at joint operations between the armed forces. For example, the Saab 9LV combat system installed on the HTMS Chakri Naruebet helicopter carrier, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej frigate and the HTMS Naresuan-class frigate, HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin.

Using the Link RTN tactical network, it can be linked to the Link T network of fighter jets Saab Gripen C/D, and Saab 340 ERIEYE, which later developed into Link TH, The tactical network of the Royal Thai Army by declaring the policy of the Air Force Commander fiscal year 2022 by Air Chief Marshal Naphadej Thupatemie, current Air Force Commander has mentioned including guidelines for the development of the Data Link network.

Saab Gripen C/D 11 units in the 701 Squadron from the total supply 12 machines with the loss of Gripen C No. 70108 in 2017. According to the plan in 2020, there will be two major projects,

Project to develop the capacity of maintenance Gripen C/D, medium price limit 629,224,200 baht ($20,961,358 or 175,505,261 Swedish Krona), most likely a modernization of the MS20 instruction set standard.

And a project to procure 1 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft for the 701 Squadron to have 12 complete machines in the fiscal year 2023-2025, but it is uncertain whether the Swedish company Saab will open the production line, can or not and now the Swedish Air Force does not have a spare aircraft for sale.

(AAG)