Opening Ceremony of the 2024 ATOC 2024 Tactical Air Operations Competition, Royal Thai Air Force

04 Januari 2023

F-16A/B during ATOC 2024 (photo : RTAF)

Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Tactical Air Operations Competition at the Chai Badan Air Weapons Training Range. Lopburi Province on 30 November 2023 saw the first launch of the Royal Thai Air Force's new aircraft and other capabilities.

Including the first public flight display of the T-6TH Texan II training aircraft at Kamphaeng Saen Flight School and unmanned surveillance aircraft, Dominator XP of Squadron 302, Wing 3, and the release of flares from a Bell 412EP helicopter, Squadron 202, Wing 2.

Dominator XP surveillance aircraft (photo : Airlineweek)

At the event, Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense of Thailand, also gave comments to the media about procuring a new attack fighter aircraft to replace the aging Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighter aircraft, but the project won't happen until the fiscal year 2025.

According to Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, he made an official visit to the United States at the invitation of Air Chief Marshal David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. During the past 9-15 December 2023, many places were visited.

Bell 412 firing flare at ATOC 2024 (photo : RTAF)

In addition, the United States Air Force proposes modernization of the Royal Thai Air Force to support the future. Also supports the presentation of the F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighter aircraft to replace the F-16A/B, hoping that Lockheed Martin will offer the best offer over competitors and also emphasized that Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul, Director of the Thai Air Force, is a former F-16 pilot, so he understands well the performance of the old model that should be replaced with the new model in a seamless transition (however Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee also used to be a pilot of a Saab Gripen C/D fighter jet).

The F-16C/D Block 70/72 will likely compete with the Swedish Saab Gripen E/F, which Saab is confident will offer the best capabilities and offerings for the Royal Thai Air Force. Especially compatibility with the system that the Thai army has and transfer of technology to Thailand

Alpha jet during ATOC 2024 (photo: Airlineweek)

Including the Republic of Korea KF-21 fighter aircraft. Even though it is still a prototype, KAI sees its opportunity to provide the Royal Thai Air Force with a higher-performing machine that is more accessible with various agreements with Thailand. This leaves three possible fighter jet options.

There may also be another type of US Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet, including the European Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet and the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, which have not yet shown any interest in joining the Thai competition. As for fighter jets from China and Russia, there should be little chance due to many factors.

TA-50TH during ATOC 2024 (photo: RTAF)

However, from the media interviews of the Thai Defense Minister, what follows is the idea to reform the procurement process for weapons and equipment of all four armed forces (Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Air Force and the Royal Thai Police) that plans to begin using it early next year, 2024. 

Every procurement project by the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Police must be subject to the Integrity Pact and must also be considered by the Defense Committee on Procurement controlled by civilians in order to ensure that It is in the same direction and the country benefits the most.

F-16 C/D block 70/72 at Defense & Security exhibition (photo : AAG)

This would be a good idea to harmonize the procurement methods of the four armies. It is not that different agencies, different people provide according to their own needs. However,  allowing political parties to influence selection may cause the military to acquire weapons that do not meet its needs. Or worse, not allowing them to buy anything because they can't find a reason to support it either.

(AAG)