F-16 jets escorted Prime Minister Anutin’s private plane into Wing 1 Korat, affirming commitment to advancing Air Force capabilities and promoting Made in Thailand to elevate the national defense industry. He proudly received an F-16 patch bearing the call sign "Mickey".
On 14 Aug 2026 at 09:00 at Wing 1, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Security Council, arrived to inspect the tactical flight unit. He was welcomed by Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Permanent Secretary of Defense Gen. Tharapong Malakham, Air Force Special Operations Commander Gen. Ukrit Boontanont, Air Force Commander Gen. Seksan Kantha, 2nd Army Area Commander Lt. Gen. Weerayut Raksin, and senior Air Force officers. Anutin flew his private plane to Wing 1, where three F-16s took off: two flanked his plane and one flew above it, simulating a protective escort mission with a VIP on board before landing. Upon arrival, Anutin received honors from a military guard, with three F-16 fighter jets flying a ceremonial escort. He then observed Air Force demonstrations including simulated air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions.
He affirmed commitment to advancing the Air Force's capabilities.
The Prime Minister addressed Wing 1 Air Force personnel, expressing pleasure in visiting this key tactical unit, a critical asset of the Air Force. He noted the readiness and capability of the Air Force, especially in tactical fighter operations to protect national sovereignty amid border security challenges. He praised commanders, personnel, and staff for their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation and reassuring citizens. The government stands ready to fully support the Air Force to maintain peak operational capability. He outlined five key policies to enhance Air Force capability: developing air power by acquiring replacement strike fighters, aerial refueling aircraft, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles to upgrade future air operations; advancing space affairs for security by sustaining continuous space surveillance and patrol, including acquiring low-orbit satellites and applying telescopic technology; establishing a coordination center to protect national air and space interests effectively; all aimed at comprehensively safeguarding national interests.
Promoting Made in Thailand to elevate the defense industry.
Anutin emphasized disaster relief and public assistance through integrated personnel and equipment cooperation with local agencies to ensure rapid Air Force response. He highlighted developing combat network connectivity to enhance tactical data sharing with the Thai Armed Forces’ multi-dimensional joint command system. Supporting the "One Team" concept, he aims for the three military branches to share unified situational awareness and conduct seamless joint operations. He stressed sustainable self-reliance in defense industry development by promoting Thai research and innovation, especially in unmanned aerial vehicles, to transition into production and operational use, creating Made in Thailand products and elevating the national defense industry. He thanked all Air Force personnel for their unity and urged maintaining readiness, determination, and the spirit of national service to uphold sovereignty, national interests, and security continuously.
Following this, Anutin inspected tactical equipment and observed a Combat Search and Rescue demonstration using the H225M helicopter. Wing 1 presented a specially designed F-16 patch from Squadron 103 embroidered with Mickey Mouse and the inscription "F-16 Fighting Mickey," representing the Prime Minister’s call sign during flight missions. Anutin then received a briefing on Wing 1’s key missions, Squadron 103’s security situation, operations amid unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, and important Air Force projects to assess personnel and equipment readiness.
