Air Thamal Vital To Preserve Regional Stability - RMAF Chief

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa NAKHON RATCHASIMA, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Air Thamal exercise is important in bolstering close relations between the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), as well as preserving stability in the region. According to Malaysian RMAF chief Gen Roslan Saad, Air Thamal was an important exercise and after being implemented for 37 years, it was enhanced with the involvement of more assets from the two countries. "Air Thamal strengthens regional relations and maintains regional stability. We hope to further boost the exercise with new aircraft from the RMAF and RTAF," he told Bernama when attending the closing ceremony of Air Thamal series 26/2016 at the Korat air base Thursday. Also present at the ceremony was RTAF commander, Air Chief Marshal Treetod Sonjance. Among the latest assets currently owned by RTAF are 12 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter planes acquired by Thailand in 2008 and 2013, while RMAF operates various fighter jets, including 18 Sukhoi SU-30MKM. Roslan said Air Thamal had introduced training of various dimensions, including tactical air operations, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR). This year, he said the Air Thamal exercise was conducted at the Nakhon Ratchasima air space with the participation of RMAF's five Hawk fighter jets while RTAF despatched five F-5E fighters and a UH1 Huey helicopter. A total of 28 RMAF officers and 54 personnel of various ranks as well as more than 100 RTAF personnel were involved in the Air Thamal exercise which began on May 10. The RMAF chief said relations between RMAF and RTAF were excellent due to the continuous interaction between the top and medium air force leadership of the two neighbouring countries. "We (RMAF and RTAF) are prepared to exchange ideas and information in efforts to maintain peace and harmony in the region," he said. In the current exercise, he added that RMAF was also involved in community relation projects by contributing computers and other schooling items to schools in Thailand. This was part of efforts to foster closer ties between the people and the armed forces, he said. Last year, Air Thamal was also held in Thailand, with the training focusing on Command Post Exercise while training this year was to instill the elements of Field Training Exercise, he said. RMAF will organise Air Thamal for two years from next year, he said. In an earlier ceremony, Roslan and Treetod presented wings to 12 RMAF and RTAF senior officers for their efforts to promote closer relations between the two air forces. -- BERNAMA