Page 4 - Defense & Security 2023 - Day 1

What steps are the RTAF taking to grow its
fleet of UAVs?

The RTAF has procured, developed, and
built UAV in response to missions and
necessity. Currently, UAVs are playing a
greater role and have gained capacity in a
diversity of missions. Procurement of
additional UAV in the future must be
based on operational necessity. The pro-
cured aircraft must be capable of both
operations and public assistance. In the
future, the RTAF UAV might be catego-
rized into three groups: The RTAF will consider both new C-130 countries through the exchange of visits
and other less expensive aircraft and then that allow the understanding and discus-
1) UAV for training and research and compare details of those aircraft. As for sions among associated officers. Flying
development. the long-range cargo aircraft, there is only within Thailand’s territory is one of the
one Airbus A340 pre-owned by the Thai priorities for the RTAF. There have been
2) UAV for Intelligence, Surveillance, Airways. Therefore, it is necessary for the discussions to affirm that flight opera-
and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Military RTAF to procure a new aircraft to replace tions by each country will comply with
Operations Other Than Wars (MOOTWA). the older one to keep currency for over- international rules and regulations.
seas evacuation in case of impact from

3) UAV capable of being equipped with disputed areas as previously happened. What are some of the homegrown develop-
weapons. Important issues that need Meanwhile, the RTAF will maintain the ments in aerospace and defence that the
to be done along with the aircraft pro- current number of helicopter squadrons RTAF is supporting in Thailand?
curement are internal and external pilot including those used in support of VVIP
training and readiness for operational missions, training mission, medical evac- The RTAF cooperates and supports oper-
supports. The RTAF has established uation training, and search and rescue ations of the Thai Aviation Industries
Watthana Nakhon airfield that subse- missions. (TAI) in many matters to become the
quently became Wing 3 which, in turn, is international standard aircraft mainte-
currently designated the operational base The RTAF is now involved in more and more nance center. In September this year,
for the RTAF UAV. aerial exercises with friendly nations. What the TAI reached its 20th anniversary of
. are the benefits to the RTAF from this? service in aircraft maintenance at the
The RTAF is acquiring new Beechcraft T-6 standard level as well as its economic
Texan trainers from the US. How is this The RTAF conducts joint exercises with growth. The company has created
friendly and neighboring countries to
domestic job opportunities and cut down
progressing?
enrich good relationship and mutual the cost in sending aircraft for overseas
trust. Such activities also provide oppor- maintenance.
The RTAF newly commissioned twelve tunities to learn the means to conduct
T-6 aircraft in August this year as the cooperative operations that requires In the future procurement, the RTAF will
Type 22 trainer aircraft to be stationed preparation for the future operations. highlight the offset programmes that the
at the RTAF Flying Training School. The Additionally, those joint exercises allow selling country are subject to employ
T-6 is an advanced trainer aircraft and the participants to share experiences that defence industries companies from
package comes with simulators, logistic provide the alternative perspectives in Thailand to be part of the procurement
system, standard maintenance system, learning new technologies and tactics programmes or provide technology trans-
and technology in analysis and evalua- along with various means for mission fer to us. In addition, they might jointly
tion. All of these components lead to cost accomplishments. These outcomes invest in the defence or other industries
effectiveness in operations and saving of can be selectively adopted into the RTAF in Thailand as deemed appropriate by the
RTAF budget in pilot training. operations not only for air combat, but Thai Government and the RTAF. This will
also for humanitarian assistance and allow Thailand to earn overall benefits.
Please provide an insight into the RTAF’s disaster relief missions.
fleet of helicopters and transport aircraft The RTAF recognizes the importance of
as well as the upgrades and new acquisi- What are some of the challenges being space technology. Including gathering
tions being planned? faced by the RTAF and what steps are knowledge for the dimension of stabil-
being taken to address the situation? ity in space, which is directly related to
C-130 aircraft have been operated in the national security both militaries, eco-
RTAF for a very long time. Despite the Our air defence system operates on a nomic, social and psychological. The
fact that the avionics have been regu- 24/7 basis by way of surveillance radars RTAF has sent NAPA-1 and NAPA-2 satel-
larly upgraded, the aircraft themselves and air defence personnel. In case an lites into space with detection equipment
have significantly aged. It is, therefore, entry of an unknown aircraft is detected, that can be applied to alleviate disasters
necessary to plan the procurement for the international standard identification very well. It is part of the operations of
the middle-sized cargo aircraft in con- and interception procedures are respec- the RTAF To help the people. This allows
sideration of optimal economy and cost tively applied. Also, the RTAF has fostered people affected by disasters to receive
effectiveness for the budget. good relationship with neighboring timely and effective assistance.

4 NOVEMBER-06-2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS