Thailand | Exercise | Testing No.001

[Bossza007]

---

---

Title: Testing No.001
Document Number: RTAF-TESNG-001/2004
Classification: Confidential
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: February 17, 2004

---

XI. IntroductionX

Background and Objective

HTMS Uthong Narubet, a part of the Naval Expeditionary Group Four (NEG4), serves as a key component in the Republic Thai Navy's Research & Development (R&D) initiatives. Stationed at Phuket Naval Base, the vessel is pivotal not only in safeguarding Thai maritime interests but also in participating in various experimental projects befitting a carrier of its caliber. In the R&D endeavors of 2004, dubbed Testing No.001, HTMS Uthong Narubet will undertake operations involving a squadron of Elbit Hermes 450 drones, currently on loan from the Republic Thai Army. As per the operational history provided by the Republic Army, the Hermes boasts a short takeoff range and can be aided by the carrier's ski-jump. The objective of this testing is to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of deploying Hermes drones from a Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier.

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance

This operation is conducted under the guidance of Admiral Wisa Tasanaroeng, Commander of the Naval Expeditionary Group Four, and approval from Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

Republic Thai Navy Second Fleet

• Naval Expeditionary Group Four (NEG4)
  • [1] Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier
    • HTMS Uthong Narubet
      • 1,076 Crews
    • Testing Drone Squadron
      • [22] Elbit Hermes 450 drones
    • Testing Aramament
      • [70] Pair(s) of Spike-ER missile

XIV. ExecutionX

4.1 Initial Deployment

All personnel will be reported to the respective base with all necessary equipment per the Defense Ministry documents.

4.2 Communication

Effective communication among all the units must be maintained. Any unidentified or suspicious activity must be reported to the command center immediately.

4.3 Rules of Engagement

Engagement will be per the established Rule of Engagement (ROE) with the application of international laws. The use of force must be proportionate, and only used in self-defense or to deter identified threats after all non-lethal methods have been exhausted unless specified otherwise by the ROE.

4.4 Support

Logistic support, including fuel, supplies, and maintenance, will be provided by the respective naval bases.

XV. CoordinationX

5.1 Inter-agency

Liaise with maritime agencies such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force to ensure maximum coverage and sharing of intelligence.

5.2 International

In case any foreign vessels or units are involved, contact must be established with the respective embassies or consulates and the situation must be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

XVI. ConclusionX

The Defense Ministry has mobilized all necessary resources for the deployment of Testing No.001/2004. The Defense Ministry expects that its contribution will represent its dedication to ever adapting to the best practice to protect national maritime interests.

[Signature]
Sutin Klungsang
Defence Minister

[Signature]
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister, Republic of Thailand

Document Clearance:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Armed Forces Special Warfare & Operation Command

Distribution List:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Police
The Republic Armed Forces Headquarters
The Republic Thai Air Defense Command
The Naval Special Warfare Command
The Air Force Security Force Command

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

Immediately after the issue of the Testing No.001/2004, private logistic contractor transported twenty-two Elbit Hermes 450 from a warehouse near Bangkok to Southern Thailand, heading toward the Phuket province. With the funding of more than thirtheen million USD for this experiment, the Republic Army was able to provide seventy 70 Spike-ER guided missile as testing munitions for the Republic Navy. The Republic Army would transport these guided missiles with their existing supply chains, coupled with the robust highway and logistic infrastructure of Thailand. Within twelve hours, all guided missiles and drones would arrive at the Phuket Naval Base around two in the morning local time. Given the late nature of such arrival, protocols and measures were already in place to ensure seamless integration of loaned equipment from the republic Army. An increased portion of stationed Republic Navy active-duty serviceperson in the Phuket Naval Base would be on night patrol duty, in which they encountered the shipment of their testing equipment. Republic Army personnels responsible for knowledge transfer would assist the Republic Navy personnel to store their equipment within the Navy warehouse. After ensuring that all equipment was in optimal condition, the Republic Army personnel would take a rest within the facility of the naval base while the Republic Navy personnel continued their night duty.

In the next morning, around five in the morning, many of the stationed active-duty serviceperson had already begun their day as part of their service to the Republic of Thailand. Given the fatigue caused by the long-distance travel by the Republic Army personnel, their commanding officer had allowed them to rest adequately while the commanding officer himself engaged in a discussion with the local commander. By eight in the morning, the Republic Army personnel would have already finished their morning personal activity while their commanding officer had seamlessly coordinated the mission with the local commander. Various Republic Navy servicepeople gathered along with the Republic Army as their commanding officers reiterated to them the nuances of Testing No.001/2004. To the end of the address, 1,076 servicepeople, most from the Republic Navy personnel serving the HTMS Uthong Narubet, would assume their duty onboard the light carrier. A small yet sizable portion of the boarding crews would be the Republic Army personnel responsible for ensuring seamless integration of drones and missiles to the drone systems.

As the current Framework of Defense Readiness Postures (FDRP) of the Republic Thai Armed Forces was the Peace Time Readiness of PTR, most Republic Navy servicepeople were conducting routine patrols, maintaining seafaring and combat readiness, and overseeing regular maintenance of naval vessels and equipment. HTMS Uthong Narubet was among a few ships of the Phuket Naval Base to dispatch into the ocean that day after she successfully carried 22 drones–––8 on her decks and 14 in her hangar. During that process, the Republic Navy gained invaluable knowledge that the Hermes wingspan of 10.5 meters was roughly the same size of their both aircraft lifts. While a normal aircraft of helicopter enjoys an ample space during their movements, the Hermes with shorter in length offered a unique challenge from their wide wingspans. Nevertheless, the remaining space between the Hermes and the wall had proven to be adequate for a safety transportation of the lifts given that the fully armed drone only exert five percent pressure of what the lift could transport. For this reason, the first criteria of feasibility assessment in operating Hermes from a carrier was given a green mark.

Around two in the afternoon, the light carrier was able to depart from her home base to test the effectiveness of transporting Hermes within the carrier under sea conditions. The carrier would sail alone as the Republic Navy did not have enough funds to support the escorting operation. However, the carrier operated within the range of the Thai territorial water, meaning that she was well in protection of a nearby patrolling fleet. During her sailing in the Andaman Sea that day, crews onboard were testing how they could effectively transport Hermes inside the carrier. The Republic Army service people also transfer their knowledge in operating the Hermes to the carrier sailors, which had proven to be a success given their culture that focused on interoperability. By the end of the first day, the Republic Navy would now acquire the knowledge on how to transport and carry Hermes, both armed and unarmed, on the carrier. She would sail back to her home base by eight in the evening.​