Navy-Air Force hold joint exercise in the Gulf of Thailand

RAYONG, June 4 (TNA) -- The Royal Thai Navy Exercise 2016 had officially kicked off for the year on Friday, where over 30 battle ships and 20 aircraft were mobilised for the drill, though the highlight of this year's exercise is a joint drill between the Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force. The HTMS Chakri Naruebet is set to be the battle commanding headquarters for this year's exercise, in charge of operation eight battleships and 20 aircraft through the use of Tactical Datalink. For the exercise on air defense, the Navy is set to mobilise the HTMS Chakri Naruebet and HTMS Naresuan frigate, which has been recently gone through the mid-life upgrade, whereas the Air Force would be joining the drill by sending in 15 Gripen and F16 fighter jets. Navy Chief Adm Na Areenich said the exercise would be the first in Thai history where the Navy and Air Force would be joining an exercise together to point out each other flaws. Moreover, he said, the exercise would also help to create unity and trusts between the two forces, while the Royal Thai Army would also be joining in with future exercises under the policy by the Defense Ministry to create stronger unity between the Armed Forces. (TNA)