Bangkok, 12 August 2022 (TDI): China and Thailand will hold joint air force exercise “Falcon Strike 2022” in Udon Thani in Thailand on August 14. The main subjects include air support and ground assault. The Chinese Air Force will deploy early warning, destroyer, and fighter aircraft.
#China and #Thailand will hold joint air force exercise “Falcon Strike 2022” in Udon Thani in Thailand on August 14. The main subjects include air support and ground assault. The Chinese Air Force will send fighter, destroyer and early warning aircraft: CCTV@globaltimesnews pic.twitter.com/fIue0s1viF
— libijian李碧建 (@libijian2) August 12, 2022
Since 2015, there have been four “Falcon Strike” drills. It will last for 11 days in northeastern Udon Thani which housed American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
China is expected to participate in the drill with a fleet of six J-10C/S fighter jets, a JH-7AI fighter-bomber, and a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft.
In addition to a SAAB 340 AEW early warning and control aircraft, the Royal Thai Air Force will send out five Gripen fighter jets, three Alphajet attack aircraft, and five Gripen aircraft.
China and Thailand to strengthen relations
In 2019, Wing 23 in Udon Thani hosted the previous round. The drill’s dates were chosen in June. But now the drills will occur when China is conducting significant military exercises in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan.
China shows its strengths in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island, which Beijing claims as its own.
Also Read: Chinese military exercises in the South China Sea commence
Thailand is the United States’ first Asian ally, but following a non-democratic military coup there in 2014, ties are tense. Thailand has undertaken significant defense acquisitions to improve ties with China.
The joint exercise will show the air force power of both states to the world and deepen their relations. The exercises will show coordinated efforts to support the preservation of peace and security in the region.
Moreover, the exercise will also improve the aviation efficiency and capacities of the two countries. It will also foster better relations amongst air force personnel.
The joint training exercise aims to improve the cooperation and confidence between the two countries’ air forces. Moreover, the drills will show expanded practical collaboration between China and Thailand and the strategic support for each other states.
