The air forces of China and Thailand will hold a joint exercise called “Falcon Strike 2024” this month, the Chinese Defence Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Experts said that the drills may include practising aircraft combat operations, landing tasks, as well as attacking and defending airfields and anti-aircraft positions.
According to the annual exercise schedule between the Chinese and Thai militaries, the joint Chinese and Thai Air Force Falcon Strike-2024 exercise will be held at a Thai Air Force base in August.
The Chinese side will send several types of aircraft as well as its special operations forces to Thailand to participate in the exercise, which aims to enhance the tactical level and skills of the participating forces of both sides, as well as strengthen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two countries’ militaries, the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement.
According to a press release from the Thai Air Force, the exercise is scheduled to run from Sunday to August 29. The exercise will enhance capabilities in air combat, air tactics and joint air operations, promote mutual understanding between the two countries’ air forces, and enhance regional security.
China and Thailand hold a joint air force exercise, Falcon Strike, usually annually, and in previous years the exercise has mainly focused on aerial combat, but this year’s exercise will also involve Chinese special operations forces, possibly airborne troops, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Special operations missions could include reconnaissance and assaulting positions behind enemy defence lines, including air fields, surface-to-air missile positions and ports, Fu said.
As for the traditional part of aerial combat, Fu said the two countries’ combat aircraft are likely to conduct standoff drills, which will enhance technical and tactical exchanges and build mutual trust.
