Highway to the danger zone: RTAF to test Gripen fighter jet in Songkla
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to conduct a test involving the takeoff and landing of a Gripen fighter jet on Highway 4287 in Songkhla province tomorrow, February 27. The exercise, comprising two flights, is designed to boost operational flexibility by ensuring that operations can continue from alternative locations if airports are compromised, an Air Force source revealed.
Highway 4287 was chosen for its physical suitability, as verified by the Department of Highways. Security measures will be enhanced by police, military, and local officials during the exercise.
The Gripen requires a runway of no more than 800 metres. In January, the 701 Squadron of Wing 7 successfully executed a short-field takeoff and landing test with two Gripen jets at Wing 5 airfield in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which features a 2,057-metre runway. The jets achieved a short-field landing using only 640 metres, reported Bangkok Post.
The RTAF intends to invest 19 billion baht (US$562 million) in acquiring four new Gripen fighter jets, following an extensive evaluation of bids from Swedish manufacturer Saab and US-based Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16.
In similar news, the RTAF has opted for Swedish Gripen jets over the US-made F-16 aircraft, citing greater benefits to the government. This decision was announced by Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul amid ongoing discussions about the rationale behind this choice.
The Gripen jets are set to replace the ageing F-16 jets currently stationed in Wing 1, located in Nakhon Ratchasima. The procurement initiative is under a detailed review focusing on critical aspects such as aircraft performance, direct offsets including technology transfer, and indirect benefits, like enhanced trade privileges from Sweden.
The aircraft selection process received full backing from Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who endorsed the deal as beneficial for the nation. The RTAF evaluated 22 different jets from various manufacturers before narrowing down to the Gripen and a new model of the F-16 as the final contenders.
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