The Royal Thai Air Force operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, reflecting decades of procurement efforts from the United States, Sweden, and other countries.
The recent border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia, which involved Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) airstrikes against Cambodian military targets, has sparked interest in the belligerents’ military capabilities. Thailand undoubtedly holds the military edge over Cambodia. The Thai military is larger, better funded, and consists of more modern equipment, lending to a higher overall capability.
One aspect in which Thailand holds a significant edge over Cambodia is airpower. Bangkok operates a relatively modern and diverse fleet, including the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, giving Thailand the ability to conduct air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
What Fighter Jets Does the Thai Air Force Operate?
The RTAF operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, reflecting decades of procurement efforts from various countries, primarily the United States and Sweden. The current RTAF inventory includes fighter jets, attack aircraft, trainers, transport planes, helicopters, and aerial drones. And while the RTAF is not a world leader in terms of airpower, it is certainly a major player in Southeast Asia—and far stronger than its regional rival in Phnom Penh.
- The F-16 Fighting Falcon
The RTAF currently operates about 70 F-16s across multiple blocks and upgrades. Acquired initially during the 1980s, the RTAF has kept its F-16 fleet up-to-date with a series of modernization upgrades. The F-16s form the backbone of the RTAF’s air superiority and ground-attack capability. Thailand’s F-16 fleet is strategically based at Korat and Ubon Ratchathani, near Thailand’s eastern border with Laos and Cambodia.
- The JAS 39 Gripen
Thailand recently procured 12 Gripen C/D models from Sweden to supplement and modernize the RTAF fighter fleet. Stationed at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, the RTAF Gripens offer advanced avionics, superior multirole flexibility, and a relatively low cost of operation. The Gripen fleet is used for air defense and precision air strikes, allowing for quick reaction missions to regional threats.
- The F-5 Tiger II
The RTAF also retains the Northrop F-5 Tiger II, a somewhat older jet which Thailand uses primarily for air policing and training missions. While the RTAF formerly fielded the F-5 in combat operations, the outdated fighter has been removed from frontline service thanks to the arrival of the F-16 and the Gripen.
- Alpha Fighters
Thailand operates the French-built Alpha fighter, primarily for training and light attack roles. Stationed at Wing 23, the Alpha is a cost-effective way for the RTAF to provide ground support and enhance pilot proficiency.
What Other Aircraft Does Thailand Have?
Outside of the fighter fleet, the RTAF also operates a slew of trainers, support aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. For comprehensive pilot training, the RTAF relies upon the South Korean Hawk Mk. 67 advanced trainer and T-50TH Golden Eagle supersonic trainer—each of which can also serve in light attack roles if needed.
Additionally, the RTAF relies upon the Lockheed C-130 Hercules for tactical airlift, the Gulfstream G550 for command and control, and the Saab 340 Erie AEW for airborne early warning.
Thailand’s helicopter fleet consists of the Bell UH-1 Huey, the Bell 212, and the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk. The helicopter fleet is used for transport, search and rescue (SAR), and special operations. The RTAF has been augmenting its force structure with newly developed drones in surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition roles. Thailand’s drone fleet enhances the RTAF’s ability to gather intelligence and conduct precision strikes, like those conducted against Cambodia.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Region: Asia
Topic: Air Warfare
Tags: Thailand, Cambodia, Aircraft, Fighter Aircraft, F-16 Fighting Falcon, JAS 39 Gripen, F-5 Tiger II
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
