Thai Air Force collaborates with Singapore and USA for COPE TIGER 2024, focusing on air maneuvers and F-35 participation.
On March 19, 2024, the Royal Thai Air Force engaged in COPE TIGER 2024, a joint air exercise involving Thailand, Singapore, and the United States. The exercise, held at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, emphasizes training in combat tactics, air attack, and tactical intelligence using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The highlight of this year’s exercise was the inaugural participation of eight US F-35 aircraft, alongside ten F-16s from South Korea and various Thai and Singaporean aircraft. Gen. Songwit Nunpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, underscored the significance of US involvement, signaling trust and partnership between the nations.
The exercise aims to enhance capabilities in air operations, command, and control, fostering stronger ties between participating countries. COL.Sebastian Chai of the Singapore Air Force and COL.Jeffrey D.Shulman of the US Air Force praised Thailand’s training facilities and emphasized the exercise’s role in promoting regional stability.
COPE TIGER, established in 1983, has evolved into a multinational exercise involving Thailand, Singapore, and the USA. The exercise, held annually since 1995, facilitates learning, collaboration, and skill development among air forces.
