Thailand outlines air force restructuring and air defence upgrades

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) plans to become a smaller force centred on Wings 1, 4 and 7 as its three principal combat wings, commander-in-chief ACM Seksan Kantha said, outlining a 10-year vision that he linked to the force’s centenary.

Seksan presented his command intentions for 2027–2028 at the Chaloem Akat conference room of the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy in Muak Lek district, Saraburi.

Other wings would handle special missions, air transport and unmanned aircraft, which would be needed in greater numbers.

“We will have unmanned and crewed aircraft capable of operating together and integrate our technologies,” Seksan said.

The future force would also include highly capable helicopter squadrons and ground units coordinating target designation and joint manoeuvres with other forces and airpower.

A stronger data network linking all military services would provide an advantage in decision-making and joint operations.

The priorities reflected developments since his first command statement in 2025, including lessons from national defence missions during December 8–27, 2025.

These required a reassessment of priorities, strategy and doctrine under the white paper, while maintaining the overall direction.

Seksan said countries unfriendly to Thailand continued to pursue their political intentions, using information, cyber operations and drones to provoke and test Thai capabilities while strengthening their combat power.

The RTAF therefore needed capabilities in cyberspace, space and the electromagnetic spectrum, alongside modern weapons, to prevail in the next war.

Taxpayer funding must sustain continuous readiness, with intensive training extending from commanders and staff officers to operational personnel, the commander said.

“When the country faces the threat of war, there is no opportunity for trial and error because our sovereignty, borders, territory, national honour and prestige, and people’s lives are at stake.”

Training must ensure that, when combat became necessary, enemies immediately realised they had made a mistake.

Effective combat capability also depended on personnel who could complete their missions, supported by leadership, sound ethics, competence, mental resilience and strong morale.

Cooperation with trusted friendly countries was necessary during a crisis to sustain capabilities, support joint combat operations and maintain regional security.

Citing an unnamed Chinese philosopher’s description, “As though trees were moving without any wind”, Seksan warned against complacency in assessing intelligence, verifying information and examining actions around Thailand.

The academy visit also marked an occasion to remember the benevolence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX, who bestowed its name in 2013.

Seksan cited the academy’s 74th anniversary and the King’s centenary in 2027, when the RTAF would mark its 90th anniversary, as reasons to demonstrate his loyalty.

The academy instilled discipline, ideals and an honour system in officers preparing for technical support, flying and combat duties.

Seksan said his own service followed King Rama IX’s resolve: “I would give my life to preserve honour. I would place gold leaf on the back of the Buddha image.”

Under the slogan “Strengthening Air Power towards Unbeatable Air Force”, development would follow the RTAF’s strategy, doctrine and white paper to protect national interests in the air and space, sovereignty and the public.

The approach prioritised stronger foundations in personnel, equipment and technology, with quality taking precedence over quantity while maintaining appropriate numbers.

Continuing projects fell into six groups.

Group 1 Air operations

• Phases 1 and 2 of the replacement fighter/attack aircraft procurement project.
• Phase 1 of the strategic unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) system procurement project.
• Phase 2 of the targeting pod procurement project.
• Procurement of precision-guided munitions.
• Procurement of supersonic stand-off weapons.
• Procurement of long-range precision weapons.

Group 2 Command and control and air defence

• Development and upgrading of air defence systems under the datalink to command and control (D2C2) project.
• Development of airborne control and warning capabilities.
• Phases 1 and 2 of the RTAF military installation defence development project, involving an integrated air defence system (IADS).

Group 3 Detection systems

• Development of real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities assisted by artificial intelligence.
• Phase 11 of the air defence system development and upgrade project at Hat Yai reporting station.
• Phase 12 of the air defence system development and upgrade project at Phuket reporting station.
• Development of space operations capabilities using satellites.

Group 4 Air transport

• Phase 1 of the multipurpose tactical transport aircraft procurement project.
• Procurement of aircraft to transport very important persons (VIPs), replacing Type 19 transport aircraft.
• Procurement of medium-sized helicopters to transport VIPs.
• Procurement of helicopters to transport VIPs.

Group 5 Readiness and research and development

• Phase 2 of the project to develop logistics support capabilities for Gripen 39 C/D multirole fighters.
• Procurement of tactical training simulators under the Tactical Simulator Center project.
• Research and development of tactical armed unmanned aircraft systems.

Group 6 Public assistance and morale

• Modification of BT-67 aircraft for royal rainmaking missions.
• Construction of housing for government personnel.
• Construction of a stupa containing relics of the Buddha.
• Development of recreational areas for government personnel and their families.

Weapons priorities included precision, beyond-visual-range and long-range capabilities, substantial destructive power and the ability to intimidate an adversary.

Seksan said an enemy should be frightened by a weapon launched from 100 kilometres away passing through a window or doorway opening no larger than 1 metre.

Operational priorities included reviewing and revising doctrine, improving training, and the management, control and countering of unmanned aircraft.

Responsibilities assigned by the government included protecting important sites such as air bases, wings, the flying training school, Nam Phong Training Center and Task Force 9.

The air warfare centre would consolidate knowledge of air tactics and combat readiness.

Command and control would follow the Thai armed forces’ “one team” approach.

Priorities included strengthening the RTAF operations centre and air operations centre, counter-cyber operations, electronic jamming, and improvements to early-warning and air defence systems.

Seksan also referred to detection capabilities, counter-drone systems and ballistic missiles.

The BARAK MX modular, multipurpose air and missile defence system could transform the RTAF’s air defence capabilities, the commander said.

Its quality was beyond doubt, although sufficient numbers were essential, requiring planning and further development under a second phase.

Seksan said technology transfer must be included in the procurement package.

Training and infrastructure development were also necessary to defend against threats and protect important areas from attack in wartime.

Delivery under the first phase, which had already been procured, was expected in 2029.