Songkhla Highway Hosts Historic Gripen Jet Landing Drill
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will conduct a groundbreaking highway takeoff and landing exercise using its Saab Gripen fighter jets. Scheduled for Thursday on Highway 4287 in Songkhla province, this meticulously planned operation will demonstrate the aircraft’s short-runway capabilities and the RTAF’s commitment to operational flexibility. This high-profile test follows successful short-field landing trials earlier this year and represents a critical step in fully integrating the Gripen into Thailand’s defense strategy.
The exercise will consist of a precision landing followed by a swift takeoff. Highway 4287, approved by the Department of Highways, provides the necessary infrastructure and approach paths for this complex maneuver. The operation underscores the RTAF’s proactive contingency planning, demonstrating its ability to deploy Gripen jets from unconventional locations if traditional airfields are compromised.
While using highways as makeshift runways is not unprecedented—several nations, including Sweden (the Gripen’s country of origin), have incorporated this into their defense strategies—this exercise is a significant milestone for the RTAF. It showcases not only the Gripen’s exceptional short-runway performance but also the meticulous planning and inter-agency cooperation required. Robust security measures, involving police, military personnel, and local authorities, will be in place.
The Gripen, known for its agility and advanced technology, requires a remarkably short runway—no more than 800 meters, according to an air force source. This makes it particularly well-suited for dispersed operations, enhancing the RTAF’s ability to react swiftly and decisively. This capability was impressively demonstrated in January, when the 701 Squadron of Wing 7 conducted short-field takeoff and landing tests at Wing 5 airfield in Prachuap Khiri Khan. During these trials, the Gripen landed using only 640 meters of the 2,057-meter runway—significantly less than its maximum requirement.
The highway exercise coincides with the RTAF’s ongoing efforts to bolster its fighter jet fleet. The air force has proposed a 19 billion baht investment to acquire four additional Gripen fighters. This procurement, following a comprehensive evaluation of bids from Saab and Lockheed Martin (manufacturer of the F-16), reflects the RTAF’s confidence in the Gripen’s capabilities and suitability for Thailand’s defense needs.
This highway operation powerfully demonstrates the RTAF’s commitment to operational readiness and adaptability. It highlights not only the Gripen’s advanced capabilities but also the meticulous planning and inter-agency coordination involved in such a complex and strategically significant exercise. As the RTAF modernizes its fleet and refines its operational strategies, the Gripen’s role in safeguarding Thailand’s airspace will undoubtedly continue to grow.
