Air force celebrates 40th anniversary of its F-5E/F fighter aircraft

UBON RATCHATHANI, May 23 (TNA) -- The Royal Thai Air Force conducted a ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the service of its F-5E/F fighter aircraft and accepted one of the jets after its upgrade. Air force commander-in-chief ACM Johm Rungswang presided over the ceremony at Wing 21. The ceremony included a Buddhist rite and the air force chief hanging garlands on the aircraft and handing souvenirs to officers working with the aircraft. The F-5E/F aircraft had built good reputations for the air force and the country because they had been successfully deployed for many important warfare missions and the success resulted from unity among commanders, pilots and relevant officials, ADM Johm said. One of the 14 F-5E/F aircraft of the air force was upgraded and delivered by Elbis System. The service duration of the upgraded aircraft is extended for 15 years. The upgrade project enables F-5E/F aircraft to use long-range weapons, efficient radar and an integrated warfare information system. Originally F-5E/F aircraft are incompatible with beyond-visual-range missiles and unable to cope with modern threats. (TNA)