PM Anutin Visits Royal Thai Air Force Base, Unveils Five Military Policies
PM Anutin announced five military policies to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force, including acquiring new fighter jets, surveillance satellites, and combat drones during a visit to an air base in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at Royal Thai Air Force Wing 1 in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province on August 14, 2025 at 09:00 in his personal jet, where he was received by Air Force Commander General Sekasart Kuntha, Defence Minister General Anudit Boonthammachareun, and other senior military officials. As his aircraft entered the airfield, three F-16 fighter jets performed a ceremonial escort, with two flanking his jet on either side and one flying overhead, simulating a standard protection flight for VIP passengers before landing. The Prime Minister was then greeted with full military honours as three F-16s conducted a ceremonial flyover, followed by a demonstration of air force combat capabilities including air-to-ground and air-to-air simulations.
PM Anutin addressed air force personnel, saying he was pleased to witness the readiness and operational strength of the tactical aviation unit, particularly its fighter escort capabilities in protecting national sovereignty along border security zones. He commended commanders, troops, and personnel for their dedication and sacrifice in defence of the nation and public reassurance, pledging full government support to strengthen air force capability. He then announced five major policy directives to enhance air force capabilities and long-term national security:
1. Aerial Capability Development: Acquiring replacement attack fighter aircraft, aerial refuelling aircraft, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (combat drones) as game-changers to elevate future air operations while promoting Thai personnel and industry capacity.
2. Space Operations for Security: Advancing continuous space surveillance and reconnaissance through acquisition of low-earth-orbit satellites, application of telescope technology, and activating a coordination centre to protect national airspace and space interests comprehensively.
3. Disaster Relief and Public Assistance: Integrating air force personnel and equipment with local agencies to enable rapid, efficient response to critical situations.
4. Combat Network System Development: Accelerating development of tactical data link systems linked to national networks and multi-dimensional joint command control systems.
