Supreme Commander Takes Flight in F-16 to Inspect Border Defense Operations
Thailand's Supreme Commander flew in an F-16 fighter jet at Takhli air base in Nakhon Sawan province on Tuesday to inspect combat readiness and patrol the western border region. The one-hour mission demonstrated the Royal Thai Air Force's o
TAKHLI — Thailand's top military commander flew aboard an F-16 fighter jet on Tuesday during a combat readiness inspection at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan province, as the Royal Thai Air Force reaffirmed its capability to defend the country and monitor border areas.
On May 19 at 09:00, Air Force Commander ACM Seksan Kanta welcomed Supreme Commander Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee to inspect the operational readiness of Wing 4 at Takhli air base. The visit included an F-16 performance demonstration and the presentation of a 403 Squadron F-16 patch to the Supreme Commander before the flight mission.
Gen. Songwit donned a full F-16 flight suit and participated in an aerial patrol alongside Wing Commander Chanon Sattayuk, commander of 403 Squadron. The approximately one-hour flight surveyed training areas and Thailand's western border region. Other senior Air Force officers participated in the operation, including Air Chief Marshal Rawin Thanomsingh, commander of the Air Operations Control Command, piloting another F-16, while Air Chief Marshal Anurak Romanarak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, flew in a T-50TH trainer jet.
Before takeoff, Gen. Songwit addressed Wing 4 personnel, commending their dedication and sacrifice in protecting national sovereignty. He emphasized that the Air Force maintains robust operational capabilities and remains ready for missions in all circumstances, including coordinated operations with other military branches. ACM Seksan also thanked Wing 4 personnel for their service, calling Wing 4 "the real force protecting the country" and urging personnel to maintain professional standards across aviation, maintenance, and mission support operations.
The Supreme Commander operated under the call sign "UK Biker" during the mission and completed full aviation medical and safety screening before takeoff, including hearing and vision tests, cardiac monitoring, and hypobaric chamber training. The operation was part of ongoing combat readiness inspections and air exercises designed to strengthen Air Force capabilities and support national defense missions.
