Thai Boomerang flies back to Thailand

More than 500 personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) are taking part in Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025 from September 8 to 19.

CAPTION: Members of the Royal Australian Air Force’s 1 Squadron at the opening ceremony of Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025. Story by Flight Lieutenant Matthew Edwards. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Aiesha White-Kratz.

This is the 15th iteration of the bilateral exercise between the RAAF and RTAF, providing the opportunity to build upon the rich history and deep defence partnership between both air forces since 1992.

Primarily located at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability through dissimilar air combat training and scenarios in large force employment, and close air support of ground forces.

The exercise involves F/A-18F Super Hornets from RAAF’s 1 Squadron and personnel from 4 Squadron working alongside RTAF F-16 Fighting Falcon and JAS-39 Gripen aircraft.

Commanding Officer 1 Squadron Wing Commander Trent Baldry emphasised the importance of the exercise.

“Exercise Thai Boomerang is a valuable opportunity to learn from one another through combined air combat training,” Wing Commander Baldry said.

“The profiles and scenarios flown will be across the spectrum of combat air power.

“Defence engagements like Exercise Thai Boomerang foster friendship and rapport between RAAF and RTAF aviators at all levels. We look forward to training side-by-side with the Royal Thai Air Force.”

Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela Macdonald said defence cooperation was an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.

“Australia and Thailand are strategic partners who share 73 years of diplomatic relations,” Dr Macdonald said.

“Exercise Thai Boomerang builds on decades of joint activities between our countries to strengthen coordination, skills and trust.”

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