Nakhon ratchasima: The Prime Minister visited Air Force Base 1, commended the capabilities of the F-16 fighter jets, and reiterated the government's readiness to support the Royal Thai Air Force in handling any situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Security Council, traveled to Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima province, piloting his private Socata TBM 930 aircraft himself. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, and General Ukrit Boontanon, Chief of Defence Forces, to inspect the tactical aviation unit. They were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and other senior air force officers.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson said that upon the Prime Minister's arrival, he ascended the platform to receive a salute from an honor guard, with F-16 fighter jets flying overhead as a welcome gesture, before watching an aerial demonstration. Four F-16 fighter jets simulated air-to-ground and air-to-air attacks, as well as combat search and rescue operations by an H225M helicopter.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister praised the commanders, personnel, and officers of the Royal Thai Air Force for their dedication and sacrifice, especially in performing fighter jet missions to protect national sovereignty and instill confidence in the public. He also reiterated the government's readiness to support the enhancement of the Royal Thai Air Force's capabilities to maintain its highest potential, and issued the following key policy directives:
- Develop air capabilities by promoting the procurement of replacement fighter jets, aerial refueling aircraft, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (attack drones) to enhance air operations capabilities, while simultaneously promoting Thai industry and personnel.
- Enhance space activities for security, develop space reconnaissance and surveillance systems, and concretely establish a National Air and Space Interests Coordination Center.
- Disaster relief and public assistance: Integrating personnel and equipment with local agencies to provide rapid and effective assistance to the public in all situations.
- Strengthening combat capabilities and accelerating the development of a Tactical Data Link into a National Link, linking data with the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters to support the "One Team, Thai Armed Forces" concept, enabling seamless joint operations among all three branches of the armed forces.
- Developing the defense industry towards "sustainable self-reliance," promoting Thai research, especially in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to develop it into production and practical applications, creating "Made in Thailand" products that can be manufactured domestically and widely utilized.
The Prime Minister thanked all Air Force personnel for their unified performance of duty, patriotism, and sacrifice, and urged them to maintain their readiness, commitment, and spirit of service to the nation, so that they can be the main force in protecting the sovereignty and interests of the country.
Furthermore, following the visit to the aircraft and equipment, the Prime Minister received a briefing on the key missions of Wing 1 regarding the security situation in the area, including operations during the unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, as well as a presentation on important projects of the Royal Thai Air Force to assess the readiness of personnel and equipment at Squadron 103, Wing 1.