RTAF to conduct 10-day air exercise with Chinese

RTAF to conduct 10-day air exercise with Chinese

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and its Chinese counterpart will hold a 10-day joint air exercise in Udon Thani, a source said yesterday.

According to the source, China has confirmed that it will join "Falcon Strike 2022" set to take place from Aug 14-24 at Wing 23.

China is expected to send a fleet of six J-10C/S fighter jets, a JH-7AI fighter-bomber and a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft to take part in the exercise, the source said.

Chinese Su-27 fighter jets will not be involved in the drill.

The RTAF will deploy five Gripen aircraft, three Alphajet attack aircraft and a SAAB 340 AEW early warning and control aircraft. The US-made F16 jets will not participate, said the source.

The drill is the fifth of its kind since 2015. The previous round was held in 2019 also at Udon Thani-based Wing 23.

According to the source, the exercise will strengthen ties between the two nations as part of cooperative efforts to help maintain peace and security in the region.

The drill also will enhance the two countries' aviation capabilities and efficiency while likewise boosting relations between air force personnel, said the source.

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