Latest news with #RTAF
Bangkok Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
'We can scramble jets in 5 minutes,' says RTAF chief
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has affirmed its readiness amid border tensions with Cambodia, saying fighter jets can be deployed within five minutes if conflict erupts. ACM Phanpakdee Phatthanakun, commander of the RTAF, also expressed confidence that the air force is fully prepared to deploy combat aircraft within five minutes should any military confrontation arise along the Thai-Cambodian border. The statement comes amid growing tensions following remarks by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding military incentives. Speaking at parliament, ACM Phanpakdee said that the Defence Council has approved contingency planning for border scenarios. He stressed that Thailand's preparation is standard protocol, aiming solely to uphold national sovereignty rather than to provoke or escalate conflict. When asked about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's declaration offering bonuses to Cambodian soldiers for shooting down Thai fighter jets, ACM Phanpakdee downplayed the threat. "Our operations will not reach that level of escalation," he said. "Our duty is to protect our sovereignty. There is no cause for concern, as we have no intention of invading anyone. Our focus remains on maintaining the highest level of readiness to safeguard the nation." Regarding public confidence in national defence capabilities, the air force chief urged people to place their trust in the armed forces. "The Royal Thai Air Force, alongside the other military branches, maintains maximum readiness and confidence in our defensive responsibilities. We are steadfast in our commitment to non-aggression," he added. The Centre for Border Affairs Management (CBAM) has meanwhile confirmed that the current security situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains stable, with no significant changes. CBAM emphasised the continued unity and coordination among Thai agencies and indicated that measures are being considered to ease cross-border transport following damage to goods due to logistical delays. Additionally, temporary exemptions for cross-border labourers may be granted ahead of the upcoming harvest. At Government House yesterday, Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Rear Admiral Surasak Khongsiri, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, said reports from security agencies and local authorities responsible for border checkpoints confirmed that the overall situation remains orderly. Exceptions are still being granted for medical patients requiring treatment in Thailand, students, and other individuals with essential daily needs who need to cross the border.
Business Wire
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Textron Aviation Defense and Thai Aviation Industries Sign Agreement to Support Royal Thai Air Force
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During the Paris Air Show, Textron Aviation Defense LLC., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work together on a sustainment program for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This program will support RTAF's fleets of Beechcraft T-6TH and AT-6TH aircraft. "This agreement with Thai Aviation Industries ensures the highest level of sustainment support for the RTAF and is an important element of our commitment to the growth of Thailand's aerospace industry." Share The Beechcraft T-6TH trainer and AT-6TH light attack aircraft are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc. Textron Aviation Defense, based in Wichita, Kansas, USA, is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for these aircraft. Thai Aviation Industries, located in Bangkok, Thailand, is the prime contractor for this program and has a long history of providing support for RTAF. 'The Beechcraft T-6TH and AT-6TH aircraft strengthen the mutual defense cooperation and relationship between the U.S. and Thailand,' said Tom Webster, vice president, Defense Sales. 'This agreement with Thai Aviation Industries ensures the highest level of sustainment support for the RTAF and is an important element of our commitment to the growth of Thailand's aerospace industry.' The agreement highlights the strengths of both companies. Textron Aviation Defense brings its expertise as the aircraft's OEM, while Thai Aviation Industries offers its unique position and experience in Thailand. This collaboration aims to provide long-term support and sustainment for RTAF's aircraft, ensuring a high level of readiness for training and light attack missions. Both companies are committed to working together to deliver the best possible service to RTAF. About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world's premier military flight trainer. The aircraft's low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world's number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine. To date, the global fleet of more than 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5 million flight hours across 14 nations and two NATO flight schools. A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, Tunisian Air Force and the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force. About the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine Purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO), the high performance, low risk Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine delivers affordable precision and endurance across operations in austere environments. The aircraft empowers operators with Next Gen Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), the industry's best loitering close air support / precision strike capability, the ability to maintain pressure on targets, and reliable networked battlespace communications and video, linking every sensor to every operator — anytime, anywhere. The U.S. Air Force completed the aircraft's military type certification and acquired two Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine in 2020. The Royal Thai Air Force, a key U.S. security ally and operator of one of the most advanced air forces in Asia Pacific, followed in 2021, selecting the Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine to support their 41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. About Textron Aviation Defense LLC With a legacy of thousands of proven Beechcraft and Cessna Integrated Training Systems produced and missionized in America's Heartland since WWII, military customers turn to Textron Aviation Defense when they need airborne solutions for their critical missions. Provider of the world's foremost military flight trainer, Textron Aviation Defense equips militaries worldwide and leads in low acquisition, sustainment and training costs. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft has logged more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and fourteen countries since 2001. Textron Aviation Defense is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc. About Textron Aviation We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops and high-performance pistons, to special missions, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. For more information, visit | | | About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. About Thai Aviation Industries Co.,Ltd. Thai Aviation Industries Co.,Ltd. (TAI) was established by the policy of the Government of Thailand and the Royal Thai Air Force to carry out aircraft maintenance for government agencies and to expand Thailand's aviation maintenance capabilities to be an international standard aircraft maintenance center. TAI is an approved Thai MRO company that received the privilege from the Public Procurement and Supplies Administrative Act for maintenance support to all states Aircraft. TAI has played a significant role in the MRO service including the logistics support to all military and commercial aircraft in Thailand for more than 20 years. TAI maintains capabilities in varies Aircraft type such as F-16A/B, C-130H, T-6C, Alpha Jet, Saab 340, BT-67, ATR72-500, S-92A, Cessna 150/152/172/182/208, Bell 121/412 Series, Airbus A320 Series, Boeing B737 Series, Airbus Helicopters (H125/H145/H155/H175), etc.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Air Force boosts readiness with F-16, T-50 joint drills with Indonesia
BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has reiterated its commitment to deterring and responding decisively to any violation of national sovereignty. Most recently, Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima is set to conduct a joint air exercise with the Indonesian Air Force, involving T-50 and F-16 aircraft. Meanwhile, Wing 3 in Sa Kaeo Province has declared round-the-clock readiness at its base. According to official reports, Wing 3 is conducting intensive training to maximise its defensive capabilities at home station. 'This is no ordinary drill. It represents an integration of advanced capabilities for proactive defence,' an RTAF spokesperson stated. 'We've combined ground-based and aerial surveillance systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and coordinated them through a centralised Command and Control (C2) system—creating an invisible yet highly effective defensive shield that detects every anomaly.' The ongoing drills and technology readiness clearly signal one thing: we see, we know, and we are prepared. The RTAF's current combat readiness is not intended for aggression, but for deterrence and swift response, should the nation's sovereignty be challenged. - The Nation/ANN
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tech transfer pledge steers Thailand to pick Sweden's Gripen warplane
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The Swedish government's offset package has proved decisive in Thailand's decision to purchase 12 Gripen E/F fighters in three phases. The economic and technology garnishes helped Saab's Gripen offer defeat its American F-16 Block 70/72 competitor. On June 4, the Royal Thai Air Force – or RTAF – held a press conference to announce it was buying more Gripens, with the deal accompanied by a generous package of technical support and offsets. When final offers were submitted last August, Saab had vowed, 'The Swedish proposal will ensure the best return on investment for Thailand that will exceed the contract value through a well-structured, long-term plan that covers key areas of critical technologies and national capabilities for Thailand.' Saab's offset package – equating to around 155% of the project's value – has proved especially appealing to a nation keen to boost its aerospace industry and self-sufficiency. 'The offset committee conducted negotiations with Saab concerning the defense offset proposal with the aims of maximizing benefits and complying with the policies of the government and the minister of defense,' the Thai air service said in a statement: A key element in Sweden's proposal is Thailand's unique, Saab-developed Link-T data link. Currently, only a handful of Thai aircraft and several warships are equipped with it. Bangkok now gains intellectual property rights for Link-T's unrestricted use and expansion. 'Saab will transfer Link-T development capabilities to the RTAF and local defense industry,' reads the service's statement. Link-T will enhance Thailand's ability to perform multi-domain operations. With the U.S. keeping tight control over its data links, Lockheed Martin's F-16 offer could not compete in this regard. Thailand's two Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft will be upgraded, too, with Thai participation. Additionally, a local Gripen maintenance, repair and overhaul hub will be established. Furthermore, Thai companies will join the Gripen supply chain with opportunities to make components like tires, bearings, clamps and airframe parts. Training support covers 26 personnel, made up of six pilots, 18 maintainers and two support staff. From 2025-29, Saab will provide a mission support system for network-centric flight planning and training, plus a maintenance ground support system for logistics management and maintenance. Saab welcomed its selection, stating: 'In addition to Gripen E/F fighter aircraft and associated equipment, Saab's offer includes a long-term offset package. This will benefit the national security and strategic independence of Thailand, while also bringing new jobs and investments to a range of Thai society sectors.' Thai Gripen E/Fs will come with a Raven ES-05 radar, SkyWard infrared search and track, Arexis electronic warfare suite, a targeting pod and standoff weapon capability, Link-T, Meteor and IRIS-T missiles, and Targo helmet-mounted display. The initial batch comprises three single-seat Gripen Es and a twin-seat F, to be procured for 19.5 billion baht (nearly US$600 million) from FY2025-2029. Eight more Gripen E/Fs will be delivered through FY2034, replacing aging F-16A/B fighters in 102 Squadron. Thailand's aircraft choice followed a decision publicized on Aug. 27, 2024 that the Gripen had been nominated. Now with the selection approved, the air force said the procurement contract would be signed in August.
