At 10:40 AM on February 27, 2023, reporters reported that the Royal Thai Air Force tested the capabilities of the Gripen fighter jet, landing and taking off on Highway No. 4287 in Songkhla Province, in line with the Air Force’s strategy. Air Chief Marshal Pundakdee Patthanakul, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, along with senior military officials, the governor of Songkhla, and local government leaders, observed the event amidst a large crowd of excited locals who came to watch the takeoff and landing, despite intermittent rain.
The test consisted of two flight patterns. The first flight involved landing on the highway and refueling while armed, and the second flight took off to carry out a mission, taking a total of about one hour. The initial results of the test demonstrated the fighter jet’s capability to take off and land on a highway in the event that an airport is destroyed.
The third round was a demonstration flight for the public and military personnel to take photos together as a memento of this significant historical mission.
Air Chief Marshal Pundakdee Patthanakul, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, stated that this mission prioritizes safety. The mission to test the capabilities and readiness of the Gripen aircraft without using an airport is considered a highly challenging task, as the Air Force has never conducted such an operation before. The success of this mission requires cooperation from all sectors of the country to integrate resources for the operation. The Air Force has planned and prepared meticulously to ensure that this mission can be successfully carried out safely.
Air Chief Marshal Pundakdee stated that the first test of takeoff and landing on a highway for the Gripen fighter jet, model 20/G, aligns with the Air Force’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of the Gripen fighter jet, allowing for flexible deployment and mission execution from any airport and suitable locations across the country. For this test, the Air Force chose Highway No. 4287 in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, based on surveys and inspections by Air Force technical staff and officials from the Department of Highways, which found that the physical condition of the highway is straight and continuous, capable of accommodating the takeoff and landing of fighter jets. The test was conducted following strict safety protocols.
Therefore, this test demonstrates the capability of the fighter jet to take off and land on a highway in the event that an airport is destroyed. The Gripen fighter jet requires a very short runway distance of only 700-800 meters, which builds confidence in mission execution through cooperation from all sectors. It serves as an important multi-dimensional test, including the aircraft’s readiness to respond to missions quickly, timely, and effectively. The capabilities of the pilots must include skills, knowledge, and training according to established standards to ensure the highest levels of confidence and safety. Additionally, the cooperation and unity of all agencies and local communities have come together to plan and create participation from all sectors.
Read more on https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/south/2844249
