Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Gripen from Wing 7 participated in a planned network centric system exercise recently in the Gulf of Thailand. 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).The RTAF boasts of a network centric air defence capability which also includes Gripen, Erieye airborne early warning system and tactical data links. Demonstration of air operations using the network-centric operation was held on October 26, 2021.
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.hailand’s frigate HTMS Naresuan was the first to be linked to the Gripen fighters. Strategic locations like Don Muang air base are connected with radar stations across the country and also with the Thai Navy’s warships and aircraft carriers. The exercise, which falls under Thailand’s annual Navy Training, was aimed at honing the unit’s readiness against air threats.
In 2007, Thailand’s Parliament authorized the Royal Thai Air Force to spend up to 34 billion baht (US$1.1 billion) as part of an effort to replace Thailand’s existing Northrop F-5 fleet. The Royal Thai Air Force has eight JAS 39Cs and four JAS 39Ds in use as of 2016. During the Falcon Strike exercise 2019, the Royal Thai Air Force Gripen C/D scores 25 J-11A aircraft kills in simulated combat with the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force with only two losses within visual range combat and the Royal Thai Air Force Gripen C/D scores 41 J-11A aircraft kills with loss of five Gripen C in a simulated beyond visual range combat.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab AB. The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration with relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls. Various versions have been built, grouped as A-, C- and E-series. Gripen A- and C-series are powered by the GE F404G engine (previously designated Volvo RM12) and the E-series is powered by the GE F414G engine, and has a top speed of Mach 2. Later aircraft are modified for NATO interoperability standards and air-to-air refuelling.
