Chinese J-10Cs and JH-7As face off against Thai Saab Gripen fighters in simulated air combat
August 26, 2024
Exercise Falcon Strike 2024 has provided an opportunity for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force deployed J-10C fighters to the Royal Thai Air Force Base at Udorn on 14 August, 2024, supported by two-seat J-10AS variants and JH-7A attack aircraft and a single Xian Y-20 strategic transport aircraft.
Falcon Strike will run from 18 August to 29 August, and is the seventh exercise conducted between the two forces, and was reportedly intended at enhancing co-operation and interoperability between the two countries. The exercise coincided with a high-level visit to Thailand by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following his visit to Myanmar.
Falcon Strike followed the Falcon Shield Exercise held in Xinjiang Province, which saw the United Arab Emirates Air Force participating with seven Mirage 2000-9 fighter-bombers, supported by C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft and an A330 MRTT tanker.
