Wednesday, 9 January 2019

ANALYSIS: How Gripen became prize Thai fighter



fineartamerica.com


07 JANUARY, 2019
SOURCE: FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
BY: CRAIG HOYLE
BANGKOK


Last year brought twin milestones for the Royal Thai Air Force’s fleet of Saab Gripen C/Ds, with the service having marked a decade since ordering the Swedish-built fighter, and completed its first 10,000 flying hours with the single-engined type.

 In late November, FlightGlobal was among a select group of media invited to make a first-of-its-kind visit to Thailand’s Surat Thani air base since the nation introduced its latest combat additions over seven years earlier.

 Located a flying distance of approximately 530km (980nm) south of Bangkok, the city of Surat Thani is usually a stopping point on the tourist trail heading for popular Thai island destinations such as Ko Samui. Occupying the western side of its international airport, the air force’s 7 Wing includes its Gripen-equipped 701 Sqn, nicknamed “Shark”, and its 702 “Orca” squadron, which operates six Saab 340s.

 Acquired from Sweden and also independently, these are used in the airborne early warning, electronic intelligence and transport roles........continue reading: HERE

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