The F-16 A aircraft, number 10331, is an F-16 ADF that has been in service in the United States Air Force for 20 years since 1981 and the Royal Thai Air Force has purchased a “second hand” aircraft. It has been in use since 2003 until the present. The aircraft’s service life is more than 40 years, total flight hours 6,009.7 hours of flight, engine hours of 3,588.3 hours of flight, but have undergone scheduled repairs.
Importantly, this aircraft has been “discharged” from the 102nd Squadron on September 30, 2021, but the Air Force has selected aircraft that can still be flown for further use. Incorporated with F-16 Squadron 103 Squadron 1 changed from 10210 to 10331 and had a round of maintenance. To make the aircraft have the highest readiness to carry out the mission to maintain national sovereignty.
by Capt. Pakorn Phisitsart which was an F-16 pilot that was involved in an accident A total of 782 hours of flight time, the rank of “Flying Squad Leader” sustained injuries to his right arm and neck while ejecting in an attempt to force it to land in a remote area. agricultural fields because it will not cause damage to people and villagers in the area Which is a great decision. before being taken to the Royal Thai Air Force 1 Hospital
While the “Air Force” has sent Police Lieutenant General Prapas Sonjaidee A spokesman for the Royal Thai Air Force came out to clarify the picture of the fighter aircraft of the “Blue Army” that currently, most of the Air Force fighters have limited capabilities in air operations. Has a long service life and will begin gradually discharged from 2021 -2531
By 2032, the Air Force will have less than 50 percent of its attack fighters remaining, which will reduce its air combat capabilities. until unable to perform the mission And also have to bear the burden of power transmission and maintenance with many fighter aircraft. with a lifespan of up to 28-54 years
Therefore, it is necessary to develop and procure the necessary and sufficient equipment for the purpose of preparing for the use of air force. by considering the appropriate technology and in accordance with the budget status of the Air Force To increase national defense capabilities to support the action plan of the Ministry of Defense and the Royal Thai Armed Forces
and to reinforce the time that Royal Thai Air Force Must strengthen aerial fangs “Big Pong” Air Chief Marshal Naphadej Thupatemi The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force came out to state Plans are in place to procure new fighter jets to replace older aircraft that are outdated, difficult to maintain and not cost effective. including not safe to fly considering that American F-35 fighter jet. Probably the best option at this time. suitable for today’s world and the Royal Thai Air Force
until crystallization led to the establishment of a committee to study and assigned to “Big Pom” Air Chief Marshal Thanasak Metanan Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force is the chairman and has “Big Kai” Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdi Pattanakul Royal Thai Air Force chairman of the committee to consider procurement of attack fighters
by Air Chief Marshal Naphadej Looks like the current F-35 price has dropped from the original. from the release of the new market The price of the empty machine is 142 million dollars / machine. When there is more demand and production, the price is reduced. Thanks to the marketing and political mechanisms of the alliance, the price has been reduced to $82 million/pc. While the new gripen is priced at $85 million apiece, the F-35 isn’t an aircraft we can’t reach. It is in negotiating with the company to get the lowest price.
and it is possible that Thai Air Force will be able to buy at a price of 70 million US dollars or more because other fighter aircraft market is almost unsold. by the committee We will initiate the project in the budget plan 2023 immediately because if we do not hurry to do it now, the price may be higher. and if in the end the hand needs to be supplied to replace What the Air Force must go forward with is a public relations plan. and must answer clearly on all issues in order for society to understand as clearly as possible
“Because aviation technology is advancing very quickly. It can be seen from the past wars that it is a battle in a dimension that is not seen anymore. Therefore, it is necessary to choose high-quality items. The F-35 is an interesting option. but admitted in the absence and acknowledge the situation of COVID-19,” said Air Chief Marshal Naphadet.
Currently, the old Air Force fighter planes are deteriorated and there are still problems with the maintenance. especially spare parts that takes a long time to procure a replacement In the future, if stuck and unable to deliver maintenance because there are no spare parts or engine The company stopped the production of the aircraft, unable to fly. and when modifying an old machine and the old and the new medium to be more efficient, it is still considered a risk so looking for a new plane which when there is less money, must be carefully selected and must be used for a long time, like the Air Force used the F-16 for 35-40 years until many accidents
Until on January 11, 65, the good news of the Air Force arrived when the Cabinet approved the budget framework of 2023 and the budget commitment that exceeds 1,000 million baht, including the project to consider procuring attack fighters to replace the F aircraft. -16 Budget of 13,800 million baht, the first 4 machines, a 4-year purchase commitment from 2023-2026, ready to set up 2 committees, the Education Committee and the procurement committee prepares to import the Cabinet for approval on the principles and budget limits
air force spokesperson It also stressed that the Committee on Study and Develop the Need for Attack Fighter Jets. has considered the legal missions, strategies and related action plans Analyze the data and determine the need for quality air force and state-of-the-art technology. (Cutting-Edge Technology) has made great progress.
The attack fighter aircraft that the Air Force needs must have the capability of network-centric operations (Network Centric Operations) with automatic data management. Together with the detection system of the Thai Army and the civilian side completely capable of attacking air resistance perform special tasks Patrol and Surveillance increase the range of air operations and effective control of air operations. The 5th Generation Fighter features five features: Stealth, Super Cruise, Sensor Fusion, Super Maneuverable and Synergistic Integrated Avionics.
The fighter aircraft that the Air Force wants must meet the requirements or specifications in 5 items, consisting of
1. It is an aircraft that has been certified to military standards (Military Standard) standards from the International Aviation Organization. or the standard organization of the producing country
2. Aircraft, various systems and equipment installed It must be manufactured using military standards. and has been proven to be used reliable internationally recognized It is widely used in general.
3. Able to produce and deliver to the Air Force in the budget frame and during the procurement period.
4. Technology related to attack fighters has been transferred. and various technologies relevant to Air Force personnel
5. Air Force personnel should participate in technology transfer (Offset Scholarship) for development in various fields on the basis of sustainable self-reliance.
because the board have carefully considered Taking into account the quality of air power and the capability of air operations is of paramount importance. for maximum benefit and long-term value including protecting interests and maintaining national security
In which the overall air force is very important in modern warfare. and most importantly, the battle cannot be defeated There are 3 factors that make air power unable to lose, namely the need to have quality weapons. And it must not be the second best, but it must be the best in both the aircraft and the maintenance. otherwise unable to fight with anyone.
Currently, the F-35 is considered to be in excellent performance. The Air Force pays more attention to modern air operations. which does not need to have a full herd Maybe half a herd of 8 to 12 machines.
so ifRoyal Thai Air Forcereceived support from Thai people together from the political department and other sectors as well as having sufficient budget Thailand should move its air power into a more complete dimension. There is strength in the edition that “the battle must not be defeated”
Author : Yuttachakkeaw
Graphics : sathit chuephannigam
