Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have launched Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025, deploying over 500 personnel for joint drills at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima. The exercise, running from 8–19 September, features RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets training alongside RTAF F-16 Fighting Falcons and JAS-39 Gripens. This marks the 15th iteration of the bilateral exercise aimed at enhancing air combat interoperability.

 

Exercise Thai Boomerang builds on a long-standing defence partnership between Australia and Thailand that began in 1992. The drills focus on Dissimilar Air Combat Training, Large Force Employment scenarios and Close Air Support for ground forces. RAAF No. 1 Squadron and No. 4 Squadron personnel are participating alongside RTAF counterparts at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base.

 

Wing Commander Trent Baldry, Commanding Officer of No. 1 Squadron, highlighted the importance of joint training. “Exercise Thai Boomerang is a valuable opportunity to learn from one another through combined air combat training,” he said, noting that the exercise covers a spectrum of combat air power scenarios. He also emphasized that such engagements foster friendship and rapport between aviators from both air forces.

 

Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald PSM underlined the strategic significance of defence cooperation. “Australia and Thailand are strategic partners who share 73 years of diplomatic relations,” she said, adding that the exercise strengthens coordination, skills and trust developed through decades of joint activities.

 

Looking ahead, the exercise will continue through 19 September, with participants expected to complete a series of complex training missions designed to enhance operational readiness and bilateral cooperation. Both air forces plan to use insights from the drills to inform future joint activities and strengthen long-term defence ties.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Over 500 personnel from RAAF and RTAF are participating in Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025.

• The drills focus on air combat training, Large Force Employment and Close Air Support scenarios.

• The exercise reinforces decades of defence cooperation and bilateral relations between Australia and Thailand.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Exercise Thai Boomerang

That reminds me, I must see a female friend of mine who is working in a bar on soi Boomerang.