Picture: National News Bureau of Thailand

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) recently unveiled a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s national aerospace interests.

 

Under the leadership of General Songwit Noonpackdee, the RTAF is introducing strategic changes to bolster its capacity to protect and develop the aerospace sector, which significantly contributes to the nation's economy.

 

Air Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, a key spokesperson for the RTAF, highlighted the substantial economic impact of the aerospace industry in Thailand.

 

With an annual turnover exceeding 29 billion baht, the industry supports over 35,600 enterprises and provides employment for approximately 1.6 million individuals. This economic footprint underscores the critical need for a robust national aerospace strategy.

Central to the RTAF's restructuring plan is the creation of the Coordination Center for the Protection of National Air and Space Interests. This new unit, falling under the umbrella of the Air Force Operations Center, will be directly overseen by the Air Force Chief of Staff.

 

Its core objective is to streamline and enhance coordination of all air and space-related defence activities within the RTAF and with external partners. Existing personnel from pertinent departments will be reallocated to staff the centre, thus ensuring that no additional hires or salary increments are necessary.

 

Furthermore, the RTAF is advocating for significant legislative reforms. Proposed amendments to the Ministry of Defence Reorganization Act would officially rename the force as the Royal Thai Air and Space Force, reflecting an expanded focus on space as well as air security.

 

Concurrently, the introduction of the Air and Space National Interests Protection Act would establish a Directorate dedicated to the oversight and protection of these sectors, promoting improved interagency collaboration.

 

The legislative drafts are scheduled for consideration during the 2025 fiscal year. Following their approval by the Defence Council, these will be submitted to the National Assembly and reviewed by the Constitutional Court by 2026.

 

With royal consent and publication in the Royal Gazette, the new structure is anticipated to be fully operational by 2028, setting a strategic foundation for safeguarding Thailand's vital aerospace interests, reported NNT.

 

-- 2024-11-21

 

 

14 minutes ago, webfact said:

comprehensive restructuring initiative

Thai political speak for 'we are going to need a huge budget'.

Well something needs restructuring. They can't even put together a 6 aircraft flight formation using similar aircraft!

Getting set up to compete with SpaceX?