30 November 2009
(Posted by CAAI News Media)
With the rising tension between Thailand and Cambodia, questions have risen as to whether or not Thailand is ready for a potential military conflict.
TAN NETWORK’s Charlie Samitisirisuk takes a look at whether or not Thailand’s Air Force is strong enough to protect the kingdom.
What will happen if war breaks out with our neighbouring country? Are we ready for one?
This is a significant question to ask, as Thailand has not engaged in combat for a long time.
Yet Air chief Marshal Chaiyapreuk holds great confidence in the kingdom’s force.
"BUT WE BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ONE OF THE BEST AMONG THE FRIENDS AROUND THIIS AREA"
Thailand’s main deterrence is the F 16 Falcon totaling in 57 planes built by the USA to be a mid-range, multi-role jet fighter. Some of them have been in service for nearly 20 years and it is expected to remain in service until the year 2025.
To the East lies the Kingdom of Cambodia, with 5, Aero L-39, a light attack fighter, manufactured in Czechoslovakia. These are fast and agile but are considered to be a minimal threat to the Thai Air Force with its small numbers, short range and limited armament.
On the other side of Thailand,
The Union of Myanmar possesses 12 formidable MIG 29 that was brought over from Russia during the height of the Cold war.
These fighters have proven themselves to be a very deadly force in combat. Myanmar is also ordering 15 additional MIG 29 this year. Totaling up to 27 high performance fighters.
The most likely adversary that Thailand could face is the MIG 29. As one of it's sole purpose of existence is to counter the F 16 Falcon that the Americans use and that is now the only thing Thailand has. So let's look at the MIG 29 armament.
It is equipped with a medium-range air-to-air missile that can shoot down the enemy far over the horizon catching the enemy unaware.
It could also be equipped to carry conversional dumb bombs and cluster bombs that can cover a wide area of destruction.
But some MIG 29 models can carry something more sinister…. a nuclear bomb.
In 2003, the Royal Thai Air Force sent 3 military C-130 transport planes and commando units into Phnom Pehn International Airport, to evacuate 1,000 of Thais.
Who were stranded there after angry local Cambodian mobs burned down Thai Embassy and other Thai businesses.
So what is the mission of the air force if such a thing ever happens again?
"THE MISSION OF THE AIR FORCE IS TO PREPARE THE READINESS IN ORDER FROM THE GOVERNMENT, TO ATTACK, TO SAVE THE PEOPLE, TO BRING BACK AND EVERYTHING. WE ARE IN THE MISSION TO READY TO GO."
Hopefully, the tension will be resolved through diplomatic means rather than military intervention.
No comments:
Post a Comment