Thailand’s Air Force Unveil Plans of Accure New Jets and Anti-Drone Systems

Defense News ,Thailand :-  The Royal Thai Air Force has recently laid out its comprehensive vision for the future in a 74-page whitepaper released on February 29. This document, revealed during the annual symposium, outlines the Air Force's ambitious aspirations, encompassing critical areas such as counter-drone systems, the acquisition of new fighter jets, and the enhancement of medium-range air defense systems, spanning a procurement timeline that extends out to 2037.

Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, the commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, stressed the importance of long-term development planning and strategic budget allocation to maximize the national defense value. This whitepaper serves as a roadmap to secure long-term funding, particularly as the Air Force's existing aircraft inventories age, with the average age of the fighter fleet reaching 26 years, a figure that continues to rise.

However, challenges exist in the government's procurement process, as pointed out by experts like Greg Raymond. Factors such as political instability, inadequate strategic planning, annual budgeting measures, and weak civil oversight contribute to a disjointed procurement process, allowing each armed service to make independent decisions.

In the latest whitepaper, the Royal Thai Air Force outlines its priorities, focusing on a medium-range air defense system with a minimum 30-nautical-mile range from fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2028. Following this, from FY33 to FY37, plans are in place for a second phase, targeting a medium- or long-range air defense system. Additionally, from FY28 to FY32, the force aims to acquire a short-range air defense system equipped with gun-, missile-, and laser-based weapons. Counter-drone systems are also given prominence, with a nine-year procurement project set to commence in 2025.

A critical aspect of the Air Force's vision is the replacement of aging F-16 jets. The plan involves acquiring 12-14 new fighters for the 102 Squadron based at Korat, with procurement scheduled from FY25 to FY34. The contenders for this requirement are Lockheed Martin's F-16 Block 70/72 and Saab's Gripen. The procurement timeline has been adjusted, with the retirement of the squadron's F-16s from the late 1980s expected by 2028.

Thailand's efforts to maintain relationships with various nations, including the United States, China, Russia, and India, are highlighted in the whitepaper. While procurement from China has occurred in the past, the document suggests a reluctance to consider Chinese fighters like the J-10CE, emphasizing the importance of the relationship with the U.S. and like-minded allies.

The whitepaper also delves into refurbishment efforts for C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, as well as advancements in pilot training. Efforts are underway to refurbish existing aircraft, with a shift away from the previous recommendation to buy replacements. The Air Force has retired its Pilatus PC-9 fleet after the delivery of 12 T-6TH trainers last year. Basic trainers are anticipated from FY33, with new lead-in fighter trainers sought from FY25.

Unmanned technologies are a significant focus, with developments such as the Thai-developed M Solar X solar-powered drone and plans to purchase loitering munitions, medium combat drones, and high-altitude pseudo-satellites. The Air Force emphasizes the importance of micro- and nano-drone swarms from FY26, coupled with research and development efforts for weaponized tactical drones from FY29.

Furthermore, Saab 340B Erieye airborne early warning aircraft are set to undergo enhancements in command-and-control capabilities, with dorsal-mounted radars to be replaced from FY26 to FY29.

The government's FY24 defense budget bill includes a 198 billion baht (U.S. $5.5 billion) fund, allocating $1 billion for the Air Force. The service has already applied for approximately $530 million for the initial batch of four fighters, showcasing a commitment to realizing its ambitious vision outlined in the comprehensive whitepaper.