The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is engaged in Cope Tiger 2024, a collaborative military exercise with the United States and Singapore, hosted at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Nakhon Ratchasima province. This year’s event sees the unprecedented participation of eight F-35 fighter jets from the US Air Force, alongside ten F-16s from South Korea. The exercise, which spans from March 17 to 29, also features Thailand’s F-16 and F-5 jets and Singapore’s F-15s.
Cope Tiger, established in 1995, is designed to enhance aerial combat skills and strengthen military cooperation among the nations involved. The exercise includes a variety of air maneuvers, ranging from simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground battles to occasional humanitarian missions, underlining the diverse nature of modern air force operations.
The RTAF aims to leverage the insights and experiences gained from Cope Tiger to advance its capabilities and achieve its ambition of becoming an unparalleled force by 2037. Discussions about acquiring new F-35 jets to rejuvenate its fleet highlight the RTAF’s focus on modernization and preparedness.
The exercise also provides a platform for military students, with a group from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School being invited to observe, reflecting the commitment to nurturing the next generation of Air Force personnel.
Officials from the participating countries have lauded the exercise for its role in promoting regional security, knowledge sharing, and reinforcing alliances. This year’s theme, “Friendship Blue Sky,” describes the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines Cope Tiger, strengthening the strategic bonds and professional excellence among the air forces of Thailand, the United States, and Singapore. (NNT)
