Thailand and China Launch Joint Air Force Exercise

Thailand and China have launched a joint air force exercise in northeastern Thailand, featuring fighter jets, an airborne early warning and control aircraft and aerial refuelling drills.

The Falcon Strike 2026 exercise opened at Wing 23 in Udon Thani province on Monday, with the Royal Thai Air Force and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force seeking to strengthen military ties and improve their air operations capabilities.

Air Vice Marshal Sitthipol Pomtree, director of the Royal Thai Air Force's Training Division, and Air Vice Marshal Ma Yuping, China's exercise director, jointly presided over the opening ceremony.

China has deployed J-10C and J-11 fighter jets, as well as an Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, for the exercise. Thailand is taking part with Gripen fighter jets and Alpha Jets.

The exercise includes tactical air operations, aerial refuelling and joint missions designed to improve planning, coordination and operational command between personnel from the two countries.

The two sides will conduct operations under different scenarios to develop their ability to work together and exchange knowledge and experience in air operations.

Falcon Strike 2026 also includes a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief component, with a simulated large-scale flood scenario. The training covers the deployment of medical teams, air transport and medical evacuation, as well as coordination between relevant agencies to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency response.

The exercise is being held from 10 to 21 August at Wing 23 in Udon Thani.

The Royal Thai Air Force said the exercise aims to strengthen relations and mutual understanding between the two air forces while improving their readiness for joint air operations and humanitarian missions. It also provides an opportunity for personnel from both sides to exchange operational experience, with the aim of expanding aviation and air security cooperation in the future.