Thai Air Force Marks 15 Years of Gripen Fighter Service
Thailand's Air Force celebrated 15 years of Gripen fighter jet service with a large-scale formation display at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, showcasing combat readiness and network-centric warfare capabilities developed over the past decade and a
The Royal Thai Air Force on Monday marked the 15th anniversary of the service of its Gripen C/D fighter jets and Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft with a large-scale "Elephant Walk" formation at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, underscoring its combat readiness and ability to defend national sovereignty.
The ceremony was attended by Supreme Commander Gen. Ukrit Boontanon and Air Force Commander ACM Seksan Kantha. The event featured formation flights by Gripen C/D fighters and Saab 340 aircraft, a Gripen flight demonstration, and exhibitions highlighting the Air Force's operational capabilities.
The centrepiece was the "Elephant Walk" — a coordinated taxiway procession involving nine Gripen C/D fighters and five Saab 340 aircraft, for a total of 14 aircraft. The display, commonly staged by leading air forces on significant occasions, symbolizes operational readiness and unity among air assets.
Speaking at the event, ACM Seksan said the Gripen C/D fleet had played an important role in supporting joint operations during the recent Thailand-Cambodia border tensions, describing the aircraft's performance as proof of the Air Force's 15-year investment in network-centric warfare.
He said the Air Force has focused on integrating information across its units to enable forces to "know first, see first, understand first, decide first and act first," a concept that has guided its operations for more than a decade. According to the Air Force chief, the Gripen fighters and Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft have been among the most critical platforms during periods of conflict, achieving an operational success rate of nearly 100% while using relatively few weapons to engage identified targets.
Seksan said the effectiveness of the force depends not only on advanced military hardware but also on the personnel operating it. He credited Air Force personnel for maintaining seamless information-sharing over the past 15 years, helping ensure the military remains ready to respond to any threat against the country's sovereignty.
