Today, we’re pleased to announce that a whole flurry of Thai aircraft will be reinforcing the Japanese air tree in the next major update! The Royal Thai Air force currently fields a wide range of aircraft, from capable fighters to powerful ground attackers, meaning a varied selection is ready to support Japan at the higher ranks. Let’s meet them!
Brief history of the Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force has a relatively small but rich history, too extensive to cover briefly. It was one of the first Air Forces in Asia, formed on November 2nd 1913. Three Thai officers were sent to France to undergo pilot training after the leadership was impressed by an air display by a Belgian pilot over Bangkok. After completing training, a Breguet biplane and four Nieuport IV monoplanes were purchased.
Later in 1914, the aviators put on an air display with their new aircraft. This greatly impressed the king, and with his support the Air Force was born, named the Royal Aeronautical Service, and put under the control of the Army.
Today, the Royal Thai Air Force has approximately 46,000 personnel and close to 500 aircraft, with the Alpha Jet, F-5, F-16 and JAS 39 to name a few in service today.
Reinforcing the Ranks
Starting off the new aircraft is the F-84G, a classic jet which is both a strong fighter and a capable CAS platform, this one will do a great job of bolstering ground battle lineups as a versatile strike aircraft.
Speaking of strike aircraft, two Alpha jets will be arriving as well! The familiar Alpha Jet A variant, along with the upgraded Alpha Jet TH (Phase 1). This variant lacks a cannon, but carries four all-aspect AIM-9P4 air-to-air missiles along with some great ground ordnance!
Accompanying the Squadron F-5E that arrived earlier in the year are two more models! The F-5A, and the F-5T SCU “Tigris”. Along with its typical array of ground attack weaponry, this Thai modification can equip Python 3 air-to-air missiles.
Further attacker options are represented by the AV-8S (Late) and the A-7E, both advanced strike aircraft with a wide variety of CAS options, along with some air-to-air weaponry as well to keep them competitive in all modes.
Capping off the line are the F-16A Block 15 OCU and the JAS39C Gripen! These capable multi-role fighters will provide an edge in ground and air combat thanks to their advanced weaponry options. These Thai variants will bring additional playstyles to the top ranks, ensuring that the Japanese air tree remains versatile and competitive.
We’re glad to be able to include the Royal Thai Air force and its history into the game. These additions will enhance the Japanese air tree with more gameplay options and variety, we hope you’ll enjoy flying them and adding them into your lineups!
That’s all from us today, you can look forward to all of these aircraft in the next major update which will be coming soon. Until then all the best, and we’ll be in touch again soon to cover more upcoming content.
Please note that the mentioned vehicle characteristics may be changed before they are added to the game.