Royal Thai Air Force - Modernization
One problem for the RTAF (and the Thai armed forces in general) is the wide range of aircraft in its inventory, which creates problems of maintenance and logistics support. Like the other branches of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the RTAF continued to modernize its force. Considered by most analysts, the most professional of the three services, the RTAF's pilots are well trained and competent.
The American withdrawal from South East Asia quickly revealed to the Thai Supreme Command the inadequacy of its air force in the event of a conventional war in Southeast Asia. Accordingly, in the 1980s the government allotted large amounts of money for the purchase of modern aircraft and spare parts. In May 1989, conflicting reports stated that the Royal Thai Air Force was still considering the purchase of 24 Chinese F-7M fighter aircraft. However, by late 1989, Thai interest in the F-7M waned and the Thai's did not procure this aircraft.
By 1990 the RTAF hoped to replace its aging fleet of A-37's with a squadron of Italian AMX and is looking at the purchase of Tornado or Mirage 2000 aircraft as compliments to its fleet of F-5 and F-16s. It has determined that the U.S. A-1O and A-7 are too expensive. The RTAF is also looking to upgrade several airfields including Surat Thani, Songkhla and Hat Yai to contribute to air defense of the proposed Southern Seaboard Industrial Project.
Thirty-eight F-5E and F-5F fighter-bombers purchased from the Northrop Corporation formed the nucleus of the air force's defense and tactical firepower. The F-5Es were accompanied by training teams of American civilian and military technicians, who worked with members of the Thai air force. In addition to the F-5E and F-5F fighter-bombers, OV-10C aircraft, transports, and helicopters were added to the air force equipment inventory. Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) contracted to upgrade the RTAF's F-5 fighters. These upgrades include a new fire-control radar and heads-up display. Reportedly, 16 of the planes would be equipped with new air-to-air weapons systems. Thai sources report the first two aircraft had been completed initially, with the remainder following by 2011.
The RTAF also purchased 25 used Dassault/Dornier AlphaJets from Germany to boost its ground attack capability. Despite their age of more than 20 years, government officials consider the AlphaJets a good buy and they will replace the ageing OV-10C Broncos, which were due for decommission in 2004. However, after a crash of an Alpha jet, the RTAF decided to spend 400 million Baht replacing the ejection seats. Outgoing RTAF Commander-in-Chief ACM Pong Maneesilp said the cost of the 48 British-made replacement seats was about 100 million Baht cheaper than competing quotes.
The RTAF announced plans to buy six more C-130 transport planes to enhance peacekeeping efforts and to deliver Thai fruit exports. RTAF Chief ACM Kongsak Watana said the planes were needed to put into effect Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's policy to use military aircraft to deliver fruit overseas because the air force only had 12 C-130 aircraft.
In October 2007 the Royal Thai Air Force became the latest head-of-state customer to fly in a Sikorsky S-92 VIP helicopter, as Sikorsky Aircraft today announced the sale of three of the VIP aircraft to transport the Thai royal family. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The contract was signed by Air Chief Marshal Paisal Sitabutr and Sikorsky representatives, marking the company's first sale to the Royal Thai Air Force. All three aircraft were scheduled to be delivered in 2010.
Textron Aviation Defense LLC announced November 13, 2021 a $143 million contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for an Integrated System in support of the 41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. The contract — for eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft, ground support equipment, spare parts, training and other equipment — establishes Thailand as the international launch customer for the USAF’s latest light attack aircraft. The Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. company.
“We are honored the Royal Thai Air Force has competitively selected the Beechcraft AT-6 to conduct a broad array of missions in support of its border security and its anti-smuggling, counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking operations,” said Thomas Hammoor, president and chief executive officer of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “The RTAF is a key U.S. security ally and operator of one of the most advanced air forces in Asia Pacific. Its extensive market research and stringent procurement process sought the alignment of best cost, schedule, and performance to replace its existing fleet of aging Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft and advance the capabilities of its fleet with the latest technology.”
The contract for the AT-6 — designated the Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand — supports the modernization and interoperability objectives at the forefront of the mutual defense cooperation between the U.S. and Thailand. The contract also contributes to the growth of Thailand’s aerospace industry detailed in the 10-year Royal Thai Air Force Purchase and Development (P&D) Plan, complies with requirements set forth by the Thai National Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) and empowers RTAF light attack aircrew with a vital technological advantage.
The Royal Thai Air Force had 30 F-5T fighters and 52 F-16OCU fighters as of 2020. These fighters have been used for more than 30 years, and the life of the fuselage is running low. Although the Royal Thai Air Force introduced 12 JAS39 "Gripen" fighters, the number of new fighters is still insufficient, forcing Thailand to continue to introduce a fighter to replace the existing F-5 and F-16 fighters.
The Royal Thai Air Force's requirements for new fighters are that their performance must be no less than JAS39C/D Gripen, which can perform all tasks in lieu of the F16, and the purchase price must not exceed $ 50 million. At present, the J-10C, FA50, and F-16V are all under the consideration of the Thai Air Force. India dared to send LCA to participate in this test, indicating that India has a certain confidence.
India believed that LCA had a great advantage compared to J-10, F-16 and other opponents. The first is that the LCA has a small body, is relatively easy to maintain, and has very flexible handling performance, which is very suitable for Thai pilots who are used to flying F-5 fighters. In addition, the LCA also has a carrier-based aircraft model.
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