The Royal Thai Air Force conducted its Power Test for the year 2023 from 8th May to 9th June. This event took place at the Military Weapons Training Range, Air Chai Badan, Lopburi Province on 8th June 2023. The Power Test showcased the joint operations between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the Combat Control Team (CCT) from the Department of Special Operations Regiment (SOR) Security Force Command (SCF) of the Royal Thai Air Force. During the test, laser-guided air strikes were performed by fighter-bomber aircraft on various targets. One such target was the F-5E TH Super Tigris fighter aircraft from Squadron 211, Wing 21, Ubon Ratchathani. This aircraft has undergone modernization and was able to drop bombs accurately on targets within the training ground.
Additionally, the test included the airborne movement of the Parachute Rescue (PJ: Para Jumper) with Bell 412EP helicopters from 202 Squadron, 2nd Wing, Khok Khruat. They conducted combat area search and rescue (CSAR) missions. Moreover, there was integration of air defense systems, involving the SAAB RBS 70 surface-to-air missile launchers and self-propelled guns mounted on Thairung TR Transformer 4×4 trucks of the Royal Thai Air Force. Another noteworthy inclusion was the Thales Starstreak self-propelled surface-to-air missile mounted on a truck, which was locally installed in Thailand. Additionally, the Bofors 40mm L/70 OES anti-aircraft cannon (TYPE A Improved) and Hensoldt TRML-3D fire control radar from the 32 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division, Air Defense Artillery Division, Air Defense Command of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) were involved.
The fire control radar TRML-3D/32 of the Royal Thai Army was tested for integration with the Air Command and Control System (ACCS) of the Royal Thai Air Force. The Leonardo KRONOS air surveillance radar from the Air and Coastal Defense Command (ACDC) of the Royal Thai Navy also participated in the test. This joint combat training between the Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Army, and Royal Thai Navy highlights their commitment to developing a stronger defense system. By enhancing their integration capabilities, Thailand aims to achieve an effective defense strategy that aligns with the world’s leading military forces.
