Thai Air Force Chief Flies F-16 MLU in Pitch Black 2026 Exercise

Air Force Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, along with Deputy Air Force Commander-in-Chief Air Marshal Prapas Sonjaiyee and Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief Air Marshal Mansuang Suwan, participated in a night operation mission aboard an F-16 MLU fighter jet. This was part of the multinational air exercise "Pitch Black 2026" held at Darwin Air Force Base, Australia, flying alongside allied fighter jets. The exercise involves nations such as Australia, the United States, and Spain. The Thai contingent is primarily composed of personnel from the 4th Air Division at Takhli Air Force Base in Nakhon Sawan province. Air Chief Marshal Seksan emphasized to the participating personnel that this is the first time the Royal Thai Air Force has conducted training abroad since the conflict with Cambodia. He stressed the importance of applying lessons learned, making necessary adjustments, and being prepared to perform at full capacity should future conflicts arise. "The Royal Thai Air Force is strong and ready to undertake missions if necessary," stated the Air Force Commander-in-Chief. He added that while the current generation might not have many opportunities for actual combat missions, it is crucial to maintain readiness for future generations. He explained that preparedness requires time and accumulated experience, which must be passed down through generations. This readiness, he asserted, is the guarantee of peace, sovereignty, and the safety of the people, which is the duty of the Air Force. "Pitch Black 2026" is recognized as one of the top three largest aerial warfare exercises globally, held continuously for over 40 years. This year's exercise runs from July 20 to August 7, 2026, with 21 countries participating or observing, and a total of 112 aircraft involved. The Royal Thai Air Force is participating for the 10th time, having first joined in 2004. The exercise alternates between F-16 and Gripen fighter jets annually. For this iteration, five F-16 MLU aircraft from the 4th Air Division, supported by 95 personnel, have been deployed. Source: INN News