Air Force says PM will not fly F-16 during visit to Wing 1

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will not fly an F-16 fighter jet during his visit to Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima this week due to insufficient time to complete the required safety and medical procedures.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) said in a statement that it had been considering inviting Anutin, who is a qualified pilot, to fly an F-16 to give him first-hand experience and a better understanding of the Air Force's capabilities.

Flying one of its fighter jets requires strict compliance with safety procedures and aviation standards, including an assessment of medical fitness, training in an altitude chamber, and training and testing on aircraft ejection procedures.

The procedures require time to complete, and the period remaining before Anutin's visit on August 14 is not enough to complete them all, the Air Force said.

Safety is its top priority, and all procedures would have to be completed to the same standards applied to Air Force pilots.

During the visit, the prime minister will receive briefings on the Air Force's missions and operational situation, as well as the capabilities and role of F-16 fighter jets.

He will also meet with pilots, officers and other personnel at Wing 1, giving him an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of their missions.

The Air Force added that if Anutin were to fly an F-16 in the future, the flight would have to be conducted strictly in accordance with safety standards and training procedures.

It said such a flight would not be arranged as a special trip or to provide the prime minister with additional flight hours, and no unnecessary burden or expenditure would be imposed on the government.

The RTAF said first-hand experience of actual operations could help policymakers and national security decision-makers better understand the capabilities, limitations and readiness of the country's air power, contributing to more effective decision-making appropriate to the circumstances.

The Air Force stressed that safety, professionalism and international standards remain its highest priorities and that all activities will be conducted strictly in accordance with these principles.