Thailand and China have opened Falcon Strike 2026, a joint air force exercise at Wing 23 in Udon Thani, involving fighter aircraft, airborne surveillance and aerial refuelling operations.
The exercise, which runs from 10 to 21 August, brings together the Royal Thai Air Force and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force for tactical missions and humanitarian disaster-response training.
Air Vice Marshal Sitthipol Pomtree, director of the Royal Thai Air Force Training Division, jointly presided over Monday's opening ceremony with Air Vice Marshal Ma Yuping, China's exercise director.
Aircraft and joint air operations
China has sent J-10C and J-11 fighter jets, along with an Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, aircraft. Thailand is participating with Gripen fighter jets and Alpha Jets.
The programme includes tactical air operations, aerial refuelling and combined missions intended to improve planning, coordination and operational command between personnel from the two countries.
The two air forces will work through differing operational scenarios, with the stated aim of improving their ability to operate together and exchange experience in air operations.
The Royal Thai Air Force said Falcon Strike 2026 is intended to strengthen relations and mutual understanding between the services, while improving readiness for joint air missions and humanitarian operations.
Flood relief forms part of exercise
Falcon Strike also includes a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, or HADR, exercise based on a simulated large-scale flood.
That training covers the deployment of medical teams, air transport and medical evacuation, as well as coordination between relevant agencies. The purpose is to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses.
Such disaster-response planning is particularly relevant during Thailand's wet season, when flooding can affect travel, communities and access to medical care in parts of the country.
The Royal Thai Air Force said the exercise will allow both sides to share operational experience and support the future expansion of cooperation on aviation and air security.
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14 August 2026
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