RTAF Gripen Participates in Network Centric Exercise
A Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Gripen from Wing 7 (nicknamed, "Ferocious Shark of the Andaman) participated in a planned network centric system exercise recently in the Gulf of Thailand, reports a Thai online publication.
The exercise, which falls under Thailand’s annual Navy Training, was aimed at honing the unit’s readiness against air threats.
The RTAF boasts of a network centric air defence capability which also includes Gripen, Erieye airborne early warning system and tactical data links. Thailand’s frigate HTMS Naresuan was the first to be linked to the Gripen fighters. Strategic locations like Don Muang air base are connected with radar stations across the country and also with the Thai Navy's warships and aircraft carriers.
As a part of this exercise, communication was established between the Gripen fighters, HTMS Naresuan, HTMS Taksin and HTMS Chakri Naruebet. Another highlight of the program was the combat training of the Navy personnel with the Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles (ASMs).
The Thai Naval training will continue till 9th April 2021.