Royal Thai Air Force

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) serves as a crucial component of Thailand's overall military strategy, aimed at maintaining national sovereignty and securing its airspace. It operates under the structure of a conventional air force and is equipped primarily with an assortment of aircraft sourced from multiple countries, including the United States, Sweden, and Russia.

In terms of capabilities, the RTAF has invested in multi-role fighters, such as the F-16 and the JAS-39 Gripen, which offer versatility in combat scenarios. While they are technologically robust platforms, they are not at the cutting edge when compared to the latest fifth-generation aircraft.

Training and readiness are ongoing concerns, with the RTAF undertaking regular exercises and training missions to maintain operational competency. The level of training, however, is sometimes considered not to be at par with Western standards, potentially impacting the force's effectiveness in complex, multi-domain operations.

In terms of strategy, the RTAF's primary focus is on territorial defense, particularly in countering potential threats from its neighbors. Thailand does not have any overt adversaries, but border disputes and regional tensions necessitate a vigilant air force. Nevertheless, its strategic approach lacks a clear offensive doctrine, and its ability to project power beyond its borders is limited.

Key facts

Official Name	Royal Thai Air Force
Local Name	กองทัพอากาศไทย (Kong Thap Akat Thai)
Country	🇹🇭 Thailand
World rank	#23
Active aircrafts	519 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	22
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	190
Training	157
Combat aircrafts	99
Transport	53
Special missions	20

Aircrafts most used by Thai air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	75	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	50	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
TH-55 Osage	45	American training helicopter, prominent during the Vietnam War, extensively utilized for instructional duties by the US Army.
F-5E Tiger II	30	American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
DA42 Twin Star	26	Austrian twin-engine propeller-driven airplane, notable for its utility in civil aviation and pilot training post-2004.
480	21	American light utility helicopter, notable for its efficiency in policing, surveillance, and training missions since the 1980s.
206 JetRanger	20	American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
T-6 Texan II	20	American turboprop trainer, widely deployed worldwide since the late 20th century for pilot instructing and light attack roles.
PC-9	19	Swiss trainer aircraft, renowned for its use in aerobatics, globally employed for military flight training since the 1980s.
UH-60 Black Hawk	19	American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.

Full inventory in 2024