[Thai] Pilots itching to fly latest Gripens, seen as a new force in the region
February 23, 2011
The Nation
After a long wait for the much-heralded Swedish-made Gripen jet fighters to be commissioned, Royal Thai Air Force pilots are now itching to fly the new aircraft that will replace vintage F-5 fighters.
The Gripen, with the designated code of JAS-39 C/D, has technological advantages 30 years ahead of even the US-made F-16 fighters, the newest aircraft in the RTAF, according to Wing Cmdr Natthawut Duangsoongnern.
One of six pilots who underwent the basic flight course on the Gripen, Natthawut said: “The RTAF’s addition of Gripen is a significant addition to air power in the region.”
With full use of its support systems, including weaponry and air defence, Gripen is regarded as a fighter of the future, said Natthawut, who with five other pilots was selected from more than 20 with F-5 and F-16 flying experience.
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