Royal Thai Air Force - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force

Air force

An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...

of the Kingdom of Thailand

Thailand

Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...

. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...

era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid equipment. As of 2011, the Commander of the Air Force is Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong.

History

In February 1911 the Belgian

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

pilot

Aviator

An aviator is a person who flies an aircraft. The first recorded use of the term was in 1887, as a variation of 'aviation', from the Latin avis , coined in 1863 by G. de la Landelle in Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne...

Charles Van Den Born displayed the first aircraft in Thailand

Thailand

at the Sa Pathum Horse Racing Course. The Thai authorities were impressed enough by the display that on 28 February 1912 they dispatched three officers to learn to fly in France

France

The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...

, a leading aviation country.

The three officers (Major Luang Sakdi Sanlayawut (Sunee Suwanprateep), Captain Luang Arwut Sikikorn (Long Sinsuk) and First Lieutenant Tip Ketuthat) learned to fly and on 2 November 1913 returned to Thailand with eight aircraft (four Breguets and four Nieuport

Nieuport

Nieuport, later Nieuport-Delage, was a French aeroplane company that primarily built racing aircraft before World War I and fighter aircraft during World War I and between the wars.-Beginnings:...

s). They are today regarded as the forefathers of the Royal Thai Air Force. In March of the next year they moved from Sa Pathum airfield to Don Muang

Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base

Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base is located approximately 25 miles north of Downtown Bangkok.It is the main operating and command base for the Royal Thai Air Force...

.

The Ministry of Defence put the early air force under the control of the Army Engineer Inspector General Department. Prince Purachatra, Commander of the Army Engineers, and his brother Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath

Chakrabongse Bhuvanath

Field Marshal Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanadh, Prince of Phitsanulok, , was the fortieth child of King Chulalongkorn and the fourth child of Queen Sri Bajarindra....

were instrumental in the development of the army's Royal Aeronautical Service, a forerunner to the Air Force.

During the French-Thai War

French-Thai War

The Franco-Thai War was fought between Thailand and Vichy France over certain areas of French Indochina that had once belonged to Thailand....

, the Thai Air Force scored several air-to-air-victories against the Vichy France Armée de l'Air. During World War II the Thai Air Force supported the Royal Thai Army in its occupation of the Burmese Shan States as allies of the Japanese in 1942 and defended Bangkok from allied air raids during the latter part of the war. Some RTAF personnels also assisted the anti-Japanese resistance. After World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, the Thai Air Force sent three C-47

C-47 Skytrain

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...

s to support the United Nations

United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...

in Korean War

Korean War

The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...

. The victorious Wings Unit, operating C-47, also joined the US Force in Vietnam War

Vietnam War

. Along the border, Thai Air Force launched many campaign against the communists, such as Ban Nam Ta Airfield Raid in Laos

Laos

Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...

, and clashes between Thai and Vietnamese troops along the Thai-Cambodian border. When the cold war

Cold War

The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...

ended, the Thai Air Force participated in Operation Border Post 9631 along the Thai-Burmese border in 1999, and launched the evacuation of Thais and foreigners during the 2003 Phnom Penh riots

2003 Phnom Penh riots

In January 2003, a Cambodian newspaper article falsely alleged that a Thai actress claimed that Angkor Wat belonged to Thailand. Other Cambodian print and radio media picked up the report and furthered the nationalistic sentiment which resulted in riots in Phnom Penh on January 29 where the Thai...

in Cambodia

Cambodia

Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...

Command and Control

The Royal Thai Air Force is commanded by the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (ผู้บัญชาการทหารอากาศไทย) currently Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong

Itthaporn Subhawong

Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong b. 1952 was appointed the 21st Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force on the 1st of October 2008.Itthaporn Subhawong was born on 6 January 1952 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand...

, who was appointed in 2008. The Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters is located in Don Muang Airbase, Bangkok

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...

, Thailand

Thailand

Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong
Itthaporn Subhawong
Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong b. 1952 was appointed the 21st Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force on the 1st of October 2008.Itthaporn Subhawong was born on 6 January 1952 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand...
Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Dilok Songgalayanawat
Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Boonyarit Kerdsuk
Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Srichown Chanruang
Chief of Staff of the Air Force: Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong

Organization

The RTAF command structure consists of five groups: headquarters, logistics support, education, special services, and combat forces.

The headquarters group in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...

performs the usual general staff functions, including planning and directing operations of the combat elements.
Combat Group.
The support group provides engineering, communications, ordnance, transportation, quartermaster, and medical services support.
The education group coordinates and supervises all air force training programmes.
The special service group is responsible for the welfare of air force personnel and coordinates the activities of Thai civil aviation with those of the air force.

Combat Group

The Royal Thai Air Force Combat Group is divided into 11 wings plus a training school, plus a few direct-reporting units.

Directorate of Air Operations Control, RTAF
RTAF Security Force Command
Flying Training School

* The Flying Training School composes of three squadrons, the 1st Flying Training Squadron, 2nd Flying Training Squadron, and the 3rd Flying Training Squadron. The school is based at RTAFB Kamphang Saen in Nakhon Pathom Province

Nakhon Pathom Province

Nakhon Pathom ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi...

The Wing 1

* The Wing 1 is an attack wing based at RTAFB Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Nakhon Ratchasima or , often shortened to Korat or Khorat , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand...

The Wing 2

* The Wing 2 is a rotary aviation wing that is used for basic utility needs and transport as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations. This wing is normally based at RTAFB Lop Buri in Lop Buri Province

The Wing 4

* The Wing 4 is a light attack / fighter wing based at RTAFB Takhli in Nakhon Sawan Province

Nakhon Sawan Province

Nakhon Sawan is one of the provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani and Tak.- Etymology :...

The Wing 5

* The Wing 5 is a transport / observation wing based at RTAFB Prachuap Khiri Khan in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar....

The Wing 6

* The Wing 6 is a non-combat wing used for a variety of functions including transport, mapping, communications and surveying. This wing

is based at RTAFB Don Muang / Bangkok.

The Wing 7

* The Wing 7 is an interceptor and attack wing based at RTAFB Surat Thani in Surat Thani Province

Surat Thani Province

Surat Thani is the largest of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh ....

The Wing 21

* The Wing 21 is an attack wing based at RTAFB Ubon Ratchathani in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Ubon Ratchathani Province

-History:The area was part of the Khmer Empire. Before the late eighteenth century, this area evidently was outside Siamese or Thai Ayutthaya Kingdom....

The Wing 23

* The Wing 23 is a light attack wing based at RTAFB Udon in Udon Thani Province

Udon Thani Province

Udon Thani is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lamphu and Loei.- Geography :...

The Wing 41

* The Wing 41 is a light attack wing based at RTAFB Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai is the second-largest province of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Tak, and Mae Hong Son. In the north it borders Shan State of Burma...

The Wing 46

* The Wing 46 is a transport / rainmaking wing based at RTAFB Phitsanulok in Phitsanulok Province

Phitsanulok Province

Phitsanulok is a provinces of Thailand, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos....

The Wing 56

* The Wing 56 is a currently forming wing based at RTAFB Hatyai in Songkhla Province

Songkhla Province

Songkhla is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani and Yala. To the south it borders Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia....

Royal Thai Air Force Commando Company

Main Article
Royal Thai Air Force Commando Company
The Royal Thai Air Force Commando Company is a 100 man unit in the Royal Thai Air Force's Special Combat Operations Squadron, has been in existence since the late 1970s. They are based near Don Muang Airport and provide anti-hijacking capabilities. They have three assault platoons, each divided...

This 100 man unit, part of the Royal Thai Air Force's Special Combat Operations Squadron, has been in existence since the late 1970s. They are based near Don Muang Airport and provide anti-hijacking capabilities. They have three assault platoons, each divided into two smaller sections.

Squadrons

The following squadrons are currently active with the Royal Thai Air Force and their assigned Wing and equipment.

Squadron	Wing	Equipment	Location	Notes
201 Helicopter Squadron (Royal Guard)	Wing 2	Bell 412	RTAFB Khok ka thiem
203 Helicopter Squadron	Wing 2	Bell UH-1H	RTAFB Khok ka thiem	SAR detachments at RTAFB Chiang Mai, RTAFB Korat/Nakhon Ratchasima, RTAFB Bangkok, RTAFB udon, RTAFB ubon, RTAFB surat and RTAFB hat yai
102 Fighter Squadron	Wing 1	Lockheed Martin F-16A/B(ADF)	RTAFB Korat
103 Fighter Squadron	Wing 1	Lockheed Martin F-16A/B OCU Block 15	RTAFB Korat
601 Transport Squadron	Wing 6	Lockheed Martin C-130H/H-30	RTAFB Bangkok
602 Royal Flight Squadron (Royal Guard)	Wing 6	Airbus A310-300, A319, Boeing 737-800	RTAFB Bangkok
603 Transport Squadron	Wing 6	Alenia G.222(3), ATR72-500(3),4th on order HS-748-208 (one at least still in service as of mid October 2009,	RTAFB Bangkok
604 Civil Pilot Training Squadron	Wing 6	CT-4A, T-41D	RTAFB Bangkok
211 Fighter Squadron	Wing 21	Northrop F-5T Tigres	RTAFB Ubon Ratchathani
231 Attack Squadron	Wing 23	Dornier/Dassault Alpha Jet A	RTAFB Udon Thani
401 Light Attack Squadron	Wing 4	Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros	RTAFB Takhli
402 Elint Squadron	Wing 4	Learjet 35, IAI Arava	RTAFB Takhli
403 Fighter Squadron	Wing 4	Lockheed Martin F-16A/B OCU Block 15	RTAFB Takhli	403's F-16A/Bs will be Midlife upgraded to be Block 50/52 standard. The first of totally 3 batches has been approved with $200Millions on Feb 2011. The first 6 F-16A/Bs would expect to be upgraded during 2011 to 2013.
411 Fighter Squadron	Wing 41	Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros	RTAFB Chiang Mai
461 Transport/Rainmaking Squadron	Wing 46	GAF Nomad, Basler BT-67	RTAFB Phitsanulok
701 Fighter Squadron	Wing 7	Saab Saab Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska... JAS-39 Gripen JAS 39 Gripen The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...	RTAFB Surat Thani	Gripen replaced the Northrop F-5. the first 6 Gripens were delivered on 23 February 2011.http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/222825/new-era-for-air-force-with-modern-jets
702 Squadron	Wing 7	Saab 340/Saab 340 AEW	RTAFB Surat Thani	Code 70201 is Saab 340,Code 70202 is S-100B Argus
501 Attack Squadron	Wing 5	AU-23A Peacemaker	RTAFB Prachuap Khiri Khan	The former 531 Sqn was redesignated 501 Sqn on 1 April 2007
904 Aggessor Squadron	-	Northrop F-5E	RTAFB Bangkok	Former unit of Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn Mahidon, now an aggressor unit.
Tango Squadron	-	-	RTAFB Chiang Mai	Historical aircraft unit, not controlled by the Royal Thai Air Force
1st Flying Training Squadron	Flying Training School	Pacific Aerospace PAC CT/4E	RTAFB Kamphang Saen	Primary flight training squadron
2nd Flying Training Squadron	Flying Training School	Pilatus PC-9M	RTAFB Kamphang Saen	Basic flight training squadron
3rd Flying Training Squadron	Flying Training School	Bell 206B(struck off charge 1 October 2006)	RTAFB Kamphang Saen	Rotary aviation training squadron

Royal Thai Air Force Bases

The Royal Thai Air Force maintains a number of modern bases from which it conducts its administrative, transport, and training operations. The bases, which were constructed between 1954 and 1968, have permanent buildings and ground support equipment.

All but one were part of the network of airfields built and used by United States forces until their withdrawal from Thailand in 1976. Consolidating the equipment left by the departing units in accordance with government-to-government agreements, the Thai air force assumed use of the installations at Takhli

Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base

Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility. It is located in Central Thailand, approximately 144 miles northwest of Bangkok in Takhli district, Nakhon Sawan Province, near the city of Nakhon Sawan.- Units :...

and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base

Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. It is located in northeast Thailand, located approximately 157 miles northeast of Bangkok and about 5 miles south of Nakhon Ratchasima , the second largest city in Thailand.During the Vietnam War, Korat RTAFB was the...

.

In the late 1980s, these bases and Don Muang Air Base

Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base

Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base is located approximately 25 miles north of Downtown Bangkok.It is the main operating and command base for the Royal Thai Air Force...

outside Bangkok

Bangkok

, which the air force shares with civil aviation, remains the primary operational holdings.

Maintenance of the facilities at other bases abandoned by the United States proved too costly and exceeded Thai needs. Nonetheless, all runways were still available for training and emergency use.

By 2004 the Royal Thai Air Force had its main base at Don Muang airport, adjacent to Don Mueang International Airport. The RTAF also had large air fields and facilities at Nakon Ratchasima Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base

Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility and is the home of Wing 21 of the RTAF 2nd Air Division. It is located in East-Central Thailand, near the city of Ubon Ratchathani, in the Ubon Ratchathani Province. It is approximately 305 miles North-East of Bangkok...

, and Takhli

Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base

Weaponry

Type	Country of Origin	Role	Quantity	Program
Air-to-Air Missiles
IRIS-T IRIS-T The IRIS-T is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries...		SRAAM	220	Gripen Deal
AIM-9 Sidewinder AIM-9 Sidewinder The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried mostly by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. The missile entered service with United States Air Force in the early 1950s, and variants and upgrades remain in active service with many air forces...		SRAAM	769<	PEACE NARESUAN, all variants
AIM-120C5 AMRAAM AIM-120 AMRAAM The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM , is a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Designed with the same form-factor as the previous generation of semi-active guided Sparrow missiles, it is a fire-and-forget...		BVRAAM	140>	?
Python-4		AAM	1000>?	?
Air-to-Surface Missiles/Rockets/Bombs
GBU-10/GBU-12/GBU-22 Paveway II		Laser-Guided Bomb	50	?
GBU-31(V)1/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to...		GPS/INS Guided Bomb	?	?
GBU-38/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to...		GPS/INS Guided Bomb	?	?
GBU-54/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to...		GPS/INS/Laser-Guided Bomb	?	?
AGM-65B/D/G Maverick AGM-65 Maverick The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close-air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities....		Air-to-Ground Missile	800	?
Mk 81 Mark 81 bomb The Mark 81 250 lb general purpose bomb was the smallest of the Mark 80 series of low-drag general-purpose bombs.-Development & deployment:... /Mk82 Mark 82 bomb The Mark 82 is an unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb, part of the U.S. Mark 80 series. The explosive filling is tritonal.-Development and deployment:... /Mk84 Mark 84 bomb The Mark 84 is an American general-purpose bomb, it is also the largest of the Mark 80 series of weapons. Entering service during the Vietnam War, it became a commonly used US heavy unguided bomb to be dropped, second only to the BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter" then in service and presently third only to...		(500/1000/2000 pound) General Purpose Bombs	10000+	Can be produced in the country.
RBS-15		(200 KG) Anti-ship missile	12	Gripen Deal

Anti Aircraft Warfare System
Oerlikon ADATS Air Defense Anti-Tank System The Air Defense Anti-Tank System is a dual-purpose short range surface-to-air and anti-tank missile system based on the M113A2 vehicle. It is manufactured by the Swiss company Oerlikon-Contraves, a member of the Rheinmetall Defence Group of Germany....		laser-guided supersonic missile	40	Fixed emplacement/ semi-mobile
Saab Bofors Dynamics Saab Bofors Dynamics Saab Bofors Dynamics, located in Karlskoga and Linköping, Sweden, is a subsidiary of Saab AB that specializes in military materiel such as missile systems and anti-tank systems.... RBS 70 Mk.2 RBS 70 RBS 70 is a man-portable air-defense system designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. Originally designed and manufactured by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence...		Short-range man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD)	??
QW-2 Vanguard II QW-2 Vanguard 2 The QW-2 Vanguard 2 is a Chinese all-aspect man-portable infrared guided surface to air missile. It isn't clear when the missile first entered service, but it is likely to have been between 1998 and 2002...	Mainland China	Short-range man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD)	??
Rheinmetall Mauser Mk.30 mod.F			??
Bofors 40mm		40mm L/70	??
Type 74 Type 74 The is a main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force . It was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a replacement for the earlier Type 61. It was based on the best features of a number of contemporary designs, placing it in the same class as the US M60 or German Leopard 1. Like...	Mainland China	Twin 37mm Anti Aircraft Artillery	??
Ground Weaponry
Cadillac Gage V150 Commando		4x4 amphibious armored car	12	With 12.7mm and 7.62mm MG
Rheinmetall Condor Condor (APC) The Rheinmetall Condor is a 4x4 wheeled armoured personnel carrier originally designed by Thyssen-Henschel of Germany and manufactured by Henschel Wehrtechnik GmbH....		4x4 amphibious armored car	18	With 20mm and 7.62mm MG

Aircraft inventory

! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Role
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|On order
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Note
|-----
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Trainer Aircraft
Trainer (aircraft)
A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement—allows...

|-----
| Pacific Aerospace CT/4
|
| basic prop trainer
| CT-4A/E
| 20
|
| 24 were purchased, at least 3 crashed.
|-----
| Cessna T-41D Mescalero

T-41 Mescalero

The Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the popular Cessna 172 used by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft.-Design and development:...

|
| basic prop trainer
| T-41D
| 6
|
| For civil training. Due to be replaced.
|-----
| Pilatus PC-9

Pilatus PC-9

The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland.-Design and development:...

|
| advanced prop trainer
| PC-9M
| 23
|
| Cockpit and avionic were upgraded by Thai Aviation Industry

Thai Aviation Industry

Thai Aviation Industry, or TAI is a Thailand's aircraft repair and maintenance service center. Thai 's government had approve to establish on 23 September 2003. Under founding shareholders by Royal Thai Air Force...

.
|-----
| Diamond DA42

Diamond DA42

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries. Its airframe is molded largely of composite materials.-Development:...

|
| advanced prop trainer
| DA42
| 6
|
| Delivery in mid 2009.
|-----
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Combat Aircraft
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...

|-----
| Saab JAS 39 Gripen
|
| multirole fighter
| JAS 39C/D

|6

|6
| First 6 Gripens (including 4-Gripen D and 2-Gripen C) delivered in 2011. Another 6 Gripens will be delivered in 2013.
|-----
| Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
|
| multirole fighter
| F-16A/B
|55
|
| 18 F-16s are going under MLU Upgrade by US
|-----
| Northrop F-5
|
| fighter-bomber

Fighter-bomber

A fighter-bomber is a fixed-wing aircraft with an intended primary role of light tactical bombing and also incorporating certain performance characteristics of a fighter aircraft. This term, although still used, has less significance since the introduction of rockets and guided missiles into aerial...

| F-5T Tigris
----
F-5E Tiger II
----
F-5B Freedom Fighter/F-5F Tiger II
| 14
----
~10
----
~5
----
|-----
|
|
|-----
Dual-seat training version of Northrop F-5. F-5B to be replaced by JAS 39D Gripen

JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...

in 2011.
|------
| Aero L-39 Albatros

Aero L-39

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia to meet requirements for a "C-39" during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín...

Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet

The Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet is a light attack jet and advanced trainer aircraft co-manufactured by Dornier of Germany and Dassault-Breguet of France.- Origins :...

Luftwaffe

Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....

. Five airframe use for spare. One aircraft crashed.
|-----
| Pilatus AU-23A Peacemaker

Pilatus PC-6

|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....

|
| light strike aircraft/utility aircraft

Utility aircraft

A utility aircraft is a general-purpose light plane or helicopter, usually used for transporting people or freight, but also for other duties when a more specialised aircraft is not required or available....

| AU-23A
| ~40
|
| Armed version of the Pilatus PC-6. EX-USAF
|-----
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Reconnaissance
Surveillance aircraft
A surveillance aircraft is an aircraft used for surveillance — collecting information over time. They are operated by military forces and other government agencies in roles such as intelligence gathering, battlefield surveillance, airspace surveillance, observation , border patrol and fishery...

|-----
| GAF Nomad

GAF Nomad

The GAF Nomad is a twin-engine turboprop, high-winged, "short take off and landing" aircraft . It was designed and built by the Australian Government Aircraft Factories at Fishermens Bend, Melbourne. Major users of the design have included the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the...

Thai Aviation Industry

.
|-----
| Learjet 35
|
| patrol aircraft
| Learjet 35A
| 1
|
| 2 Delivered. 1 crash during training.
|-----
| Israel Aircraft Industries Arava

IAI Arava

|-See also:-References:* Cohen, Irvine J. "Arava: Israel's first-born bids for world market". Air Enthusiast International, February 1974, Vol 6, No 2. pp. 55–61, 92–93....

|
| patrol aircraft
| IAI 201
| 6
|
| 1 airframe stored.
|-----
| Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

|
| AEW
| S-100B Argus
| 1
| 1
| First S-100B Argus have been delivered in 2010. Another Argus will be delivered in 2013. Equipped with Erieye radar.
|-----
|-----
| Aeronautics Defense Systems
|
| UAV
| Aerostar
| 1
|
| Ordered in 2011 with option for 3 more.
|-----
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...

|-----
| Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

Military transport aircraft

Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...

| C-130H
----
C-130H-30
| 6
----
6
|
| Underwent avionic and structural upgrade by Thai Aviation Industry

Thai Aviation Industry

.
|-----
| Basler BT-67

Basler BT-67

-See also:-External links:* * * * *...

|
| tactical transport

Military transport aircraft

| BT-67
| +/-8
|
| Re-built version of Douglas C-47 Dakota. used for aerial firefighting and cloud seeding. one written in a crash in August 2006.
|-----
| Alenia G.222

Alenia G.222

The Aeritalia G.222 is a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft. It was developed to meet a NATO specification, but Italy was initially the only NATO member to adopt the type. The United States purchased a small number of G.222s, designating them the C-27A Spartan...

|
| tactical transport
| G.222
| 6
|
| 3 additional airframes stored at Don Mueang RTAFB, used by 603 Sqn. Alenia has demonstrated its latest version of the G.222, the Alenia C-27J

Alenia C-27J

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a medium-sized military transport aircraft. The C-27J is an advanced derivative of Alenia Aeronautica's G.222 , with the engines and systems of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules...

recently to the Thai military.
|-----
| Avro 748

Avro 748

The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 is a medium-sized turboprop airliner originally designed by the British firm Avro in the late 1950s as a replacement for the now-aged DC-3s then in widespread service as feederliners. Avro concentrated on performance, notably for STOL operations, and found a dedicated...

|
| short range transport
| 748 Series-2
| 4
|
| Phased out.
|-----
| ATR-72
|
| transport
| ATR-72-500
| 4
|
| Delivered.
|-----
| Boeing 737

Boeing 737

The Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from Boeing's 707 and 727, the 737 has developed into a family of nine passenger models with a capacity of 85 to 215 passengers...

|
| main royal family carrier
| B737-8Z6 (B737-800)
| 1
|
|-----
| Boeing 747-8

Boeing 747-8

The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body jet airliner developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the fourth-generation Boeing 747 version, with lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings and improved efficiency...

Airbus A310

The Airbus A310 is a medium- to long-range twin-engine widebody jet airliner. Launched in July 1978, it was the second aircraft created by Airbus Industrie,a consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. the consortium of...

|
| royal family carrier
| A310-300
| 1
|
| Mainly used by military officer.
|-----
| Airbus A320

Airbus A320 family

The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001...

|
| royal family carrier
| A-319-115X CJ
| 1
| 1
| Mainly used by Government officer.
|-----
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...

|-----
| Bell UH-1 Iroquois
|
| utility helicopter

Utility helicopter

A Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....

/CSAR
| UH-1H
| 19
|
| Soon to be replaced.
|-----
| Sikorsky S-92 Superhawk

Sikorsky S-92

The Sikorsky S-92 is a four-bladed twin-engine medium-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the civil and military helicopter market. The S-92 was developed from the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter and has similar parts such as flight control and rotor systems.The H-92 Superhawk is a military...

|
| royal family carrier
| S-92
| 3
|
| Three delivered April 2011
|-----
| Bell 412

Bell 412

The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212 model, the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.-Design and development:...

|
| royal family carrier and VIP/VVIP transport
| 412EP/SP
| 12
|
|
|}

Historic Aircraft

Historic and remarkable aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force.

Nieuport
Nieuport
Nieuport, later Nieuport-Delage, was a French aeroplane company that primarily built racing aircraft before World War I and fighter aircraft during World War I and between the wars.-Beginnings:...

- First aircraft of RTAF.
Hawk III
BF2C Goshawk
-External links:*** Popular Science, July 1934...

- First RTAF fighter which engaged in dogfight with French Air Force
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...

's Potez 25
Potez 25
|-See also:*Aerial operations in the Chaco War-References:Heinonen, Timo Heinonen: Thulinista Hornetiin, Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseon julkaisuja 3, 1992. ISBN 951-95688-2-4.-External links:* *...

.
O2U Corsair
O2U Corsair
|-References:NotesBibliography* Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1....

- First RTAF fighter which engaged in dogfight with French Air Force
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...

's Potez 25
Potez 25
|-See also:*Aerial operations in the Chaco War-References:Heinonen, Timo Heinonen: Thulinista Hornetiin, Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseon julkaisuja 3, 1992. ISBN 951-95688-2-4.-External links:* *...

.
Ki-27 - During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

5 Ki-27s fought in a dogfight with 8 P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...

s and 9 P-38 Lightning
P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a World War II American fighter aircraft built by Lockheed. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a single, central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament...

s over Lampang Province
Lampang Province
Lampang is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The old name of Lampang is Khelang Nakhon.-Geography:...

in Thailand. The RTAF lost all Ki-27s and claimed they shot down 1 P-38
P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a World War II American fighter aircraft built by Lockheed. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a single, central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament...

and badly damaged 2 P-51
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...

s.
Ki-43
Nakajima Ki-43
The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa was a single-engine land-based tactical fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II...

- shot down 1 B-29 from USAF during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

.
C-45B/F
Beechcraft Model 18
The Beechcraft Model 18, or "Twin Beech", as it is better known, is a 6-11 seat, twin-engine, low-wing, conventional-gear aircraft that was manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas...

- First transport aircraft. In service between 1947 - 1971.
Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used as a front line fighter and in secondary roles into the 1950s...

- In service shortly after World War II.
F8F Bearcat
F8F Bearcat
The Grumman F8F Bearcat was an American single-engine naval fighter aircraft of the 1940s. It went on to serve into the mid-20th century in the United States Navy and other air forces, and would be the company's final piston engined fighter aircraft...

- The most numerous aircraft in RTAF with 204 Bearcats in service between 1951 - 1963. Nowadays, only one Bearcat is airworthy and able to fly.
Sikorsky H-5
Sikorsky H-5
The Sikorsky H-5, is a helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, formerly used by the United States Air Force, and its predecessor, the United States Army Air Forces, as well as the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard The Sikorsky H-5, (aka R-5, S-51, HO3S-1, or Horse) (R-5...

- First Helicopter. In service between 1951 - 1953.
T-33 Shooting Star
T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...

- First jet-engine aircraft. In service between 1955 - 1995.
F-84 Thunderjet
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...

- First jet-engine fighter. In service between 1956 - 1963.
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...

and F-86L Sabre - First swept-wing fighter jets in RTAF.Later replaced by F-5E/Fs.
F-5A/B - First supersonic fighter. In service between 1966 - 2008. Include F-5B 'The Oldest Tiger', the first F-5B of the world.
RFB Fantrainer
RFB Fantrainer
-See also:-References:*"Concept Aircraft" by Jim Winchester, ISBN 978-84-662-1370-7, MMV International Master Publications BV-External links:***...

- joint developed aircraft between RTAF and Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

.
OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...

- One of the most outstanding ground attack aircraft during the cold war, this plane fought multiple battles against communist forces. 32 examples in service between. 1971 - 2004. Donated to Philippines Air Force in 2004.

Incidents

October 18, 2010, One F-16A Block 15 crashed on Tak Province. One pilot was killed.
February 14, 2011, Two F-16ADF crashed in Chaiyaphum Province
Chaiyaphum Province
Chaiyaphum is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi and Phetchabun.- Etymology :...

, two pilots survived.

Combat and Trainer Aircraft

New fighter procurement program - As it is known in Thailand as RTAF 20th fighter program, RTAF studied three models of the new fighter to replace its aging Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters. Requirements were for twelve aircraft with an expected delivery date in 2011. Fighters being examined for the purchase were the American Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....

F-16C/D block 50/52, the Russian Sukhoi
Sukhoi
Sukhoi Company is a major Russian aircraft manufacturer, headquartered in Begovoy District, Northern Administrative Okrug, Moscow, famous for its fighters...

Su-30MKIT, and the Swedish Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...

JAS 39 Gripen
JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...

.

On a press conference on 17 October, the decision to buy six JAS 39 Gripen (version C/D), with an option for six more, was presented by Air Chief Marshal

Air Chief Marshal

Air chief marshal is a senior 4-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...

Chalit Pookpasuk

Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk was Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and acting chairman of Council for National Security, the junta that overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 coup d'état.-Biography:Chalit graduated from...

. Twelve JAS 39 Gripen, two Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

Erieye

Erieye radar

The Erieye radar system, is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System developed by Saab Microwave Systems of Sweden. It is based on the Active Electronically Scanned Array . The Erieye is used on a variety of aircraft platforms, such as the Brazilian Embraer E-99 or EMB-145...

AEW&C

Airborne Early Warning

An airborne early warning and control system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft at long ranges and control and command the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack plane strikes...

, and one Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

, training, technology transfer, and a number of RBS-15 anti-ship missile

Anti-ship missile

Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...

s will be delivered to RTAF in two phases:

first phase: consists of six JAS 39 Gripen and one Saab 340 Erieye from 2008 to 2012.
second phase: consists of six JAS 39 Gripen, one Saab 340 Erieye, and one Saab 340 from
2013 to 2017.

On 8 Jan 2008, cabinet approved the budget for the first phase. The deal, worth 19 billion Baht, consists of six JAS 39 Gripen

JAS 39 Gripen

: two single-seat C models and four dual-seat D model along with support, training, and spare parts. The offset includes one Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

Erieye

Erieye radar

, one Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

, Datalink system, and 92 Master-degrees scholarships for Thai students to study in Sweden

Sweden

Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....

. The first three aircraft will be delivered in January 2011 and another three in March 2011. Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

and Saab 340

Saab 340

The Saab 340 is a discontinued Swedish two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft in a 65:35 ratio...

Erieye

Erieye radar

will be delivered in 2010.

On 11 February 2008, the Gripen agreement was signed at FMV

FMV

FMV may refer to:*Full motion video, Video sequences in computer games and video games*Fair market value, an estimate of the market value of a property*For Maximum Value , Kroger supermarket's store brand...

in Sweden

Sweden

, mark the start of the first batch.

Indigenously developed trainer - On 5 Nov 2007, the new trainer prototype developed by Royal Thai Air Force was officially commissioned in the ceremony led by Air Chief Marshal
Air Chief Marshal
Air chief marshal is a senior 4-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...

Chalit Pookpasuk
Chalit Pookpasuk
Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk was Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and acting chairman of Council for National Security, the junta that overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 coup d'état.-Biography:Chalit graduated from...

. The 30-million-Baht project was started two years ago, B.ThO.2 is the licensed reengineering
Reengineering
Reengineering can refer to:* Trouble shooting* Business process reengineering* Reengineering * Reengineering * User reengineering...

of Aermacchi
Aermacchi
Alenia Aermacchi is an Italian company designing and producing trainer aircraft for military pilots.-Profile:Alenia Aermacchi has sold about 2,000 trainers to more than 40 countries and has collaborated in major international military programs....

SF.260MT that once service in Thai Air Force. This prototype will be used for testing and researching for the next model RTAF-6 that aims to be a primary trainer for Thai Air Force Flying School, Kamphang Saen and 604 sqn. for civilian training.

Multi-engine trainer - Royal Thai Air Force signed contact to buy 6 DA42 Twin Star
Diamond DA42
The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries. Its airframe is molded largely of composite materials.-Development:...

to meet its requirement of twin-engine training.

Mid-life Upgrade for F-16A/B OCU Block 15 - on October 2010, Royal Thai Air force has requested for Mid-life Upgrade on 18 of F-16A/B OCU Block 15 equipped at 403 Sqn. The estimated cost is expected to be around $700 million which divided into 3 phases. Each phase will upgrade 6 aircraft over a three-year period, with each phase overlapping by one year. The program was scheduled for the first 6 F-16s on the first phase during end of 2011. The MLU with Modular Mission Computer includes APG-68(V)9 Radar, APX-113 Combined Interrogator and Transponder, ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System, ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System, JOINT HELMET MOUNTED CUEING SIGHT (JHMCS), Link 16 Technical Datalink, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

Transport Aircraft and Helicopter

C-130 upgrade - Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins, Inc. is a large United States-based international company headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, primarily providing aviation and information technology systems and services to governmental agencies and aircraft manufacturers.- History :...

has received a second-phase contract from Thai Aviation Industry
Thai Aviation Industry
Thai Aviation Industry, or TAI is a Thailand's aircraft repair and maintenance service center. Thai 's government had approve to establish on 23 September 2003. Under founding shareholders by Royal Thai Air Force...

to provide a communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management upgrade for six Royal Thai Air Force Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....

C-130 transports. The companies are upgrading a further six C-130s for Thailand under an earlier award.

External links

RTAF Official website (English version)
Royal Thai Air Force Whitebook on Gripen program (Thai)
Royal Thai Air Force Press Release on Gripen program (Eng)
Royal Thai Air Force VDO on Gripen program (Thai)
Royal Thai Air Force Museum Many Historical Aircraft Here (English Page available)
Reports with drawings and pictures about the Royal Thai Air Force
Globalsecurity.org
Early history of the Airports of Thailand Authority

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