
Brief history of the Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force has a relatively small but rich history, too extensive to cover briefly. It was one of the first Air Forces in Asia, formed on November 2nd 1913. Three Thai officers were sent to France to undergo pilot training after the leadership was impressed by an air display by a Belgian pilot over Bangkok. After completing training, a Breguet biplane and four Nieuport IV monoplanes were purchased. Later in 1914, the aviators put on an air display with their new aircraft. This greatly impressed the king, and with his support the Air Force was born, named the Royal Aeronautical Service, and put under the control of the Army. Today, the Royal Thai Air Force has approximately 46,000 personnel and close to 500 aircraft, with the Alpha Jet, F-5, F-16 and JAS 39 to name a few in service today.Reinforcing the Ranks
Starting off the new aircraft is the F-84G, a classic jet which is both a strong fighter and a capable CAS platform, this one will do a great job of bolstering ground battle lineups as a versatile strike aircraft. Speaking of strike aircraft, two Alpha jets will be arriving as well! The familiar Alpha Jet A variant, along with the upgraded Alpha Jet TH (Phase 1). This variant lacks a cannon, but carries four all-aspect AIM-9P4 air-to-air missiles along with some great ground ordnance!






