Thailand | Python-Cobra Shield

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Title: Python-Cobra Shield
Document Number: RTAF-PCS-017/2002
Classification: TOP SECRET
Security Level: Maximum Secure
Date: June 23, 2002

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XI. IntroductionX

1.1 Background
Following the detection of five unidentifiable aircraft over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand in late June 2002, the Royal Thai Armed Forces have been mobilized to secure Thailand's territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In light of these developments and understanding the necessity of air superiority, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will be deploying the 407th and 408th Fighter Squadrons to maintain air dominance over the maritime zones.

1.2 Objective
The objective is to support and complement Operation Coastal Shield through air patrols and providing aerial reconnaissance and rapid response capabilities to protect Thailand’s territorial waters and EEZ.

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance
This operation is conducted under the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Marshal of the Air Force, Thananit Niumtundhi, with support from Defence Minister, Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, and approval from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

3.1 Air Squadrons

407th Fighter Squadron “Python”

Aircraft: 34 F-16AM Block 20 MLU, 16 F-16BM Block 20 MLU​

[*] Base: Wing 3 / Prachuap Kiri Khan
[*] Manpower: 66 Crew/Pilot, 575 Ground crew
[*] Role: Multirole fighter, Air superiority fighter
[*] Patrol Area: Andaman Sea​

408th Fighter Squadron “Cobra”

Aircraft: 34 F-16AM Block 20 MLU, 16 F-16BM Block 20 MLU​

[*] Base: Wing 3 / Hat Yai
[*] Manpower: 66 Crew/Pilot, 575 Ground crew
[*] Role: Multirole fighter, Air superiority fighter
[*] Patrol Area: Gulf of Thailand​

XIV. ExecutionX

4.1 Initial Deployment
The designated squadrons will deploy immediately to their respective patrol areas. Aircraft from 407th Fighter Squadron will patrol the Andaman Sea, while 408th Fighter Squadron will cover the Gulf of Thailand. They will maintain a regular patrolling schedule to ensure continuous surveillance.

4.2 Communication
Maintain communication with naval and coast guard vessels as well as ground control. Regular situation reports should be sent to the command center. Aircraft are to communicate any suspicious activity or contacts to nearby naval assets and to the command center immediately.

4.3 Rules of Engagement
Engagement will be in accordance with national and international laws. The use of force must be proportionate and only used in self-defense or to deter identified threats.

4.4 Support
Logistical support including fuel, munitions, and maintenance will be provided by the respective air bases and through coordination with the Royal Thai Navy bases.

XV. CoordinationX

5.1 Inter-agency
Maintain close liaison with the Royal Thai Navy and Coast Guard for coordination of air and maritime operations. Share intelligence and operational data with relevant agencies.

5.2 International
Maintain communication and coordination with neighboring countries’ air forces for information sharing and, if necessary, joint operations.

XVI. Patrol ScheduleX

6.1 Patrol Frequency, Timing, and Aircraft Deployment
The Royal Thai Air Force’s 407th and 408th Fighter Squadrons will maintain continuous daily patrols to ensure optimal coverage throughout the 24-hour period.

407th Fighter Squadron “Python”:

[*] Frequency: Daily patrols
[*] Timing and Aircraft Deployment:
- First Patrol: 0000 hours to 0300 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Second Patrol: 0300 hours to 0600 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Third Patrol: 0600 hours to 0900 hours local time using 12 F-16AM aircraft.
- Fourth Patrol: 0900 hours to 1200 hours local time using 10 F-16AM aircraft.
- Fifth Patrol: 1200 hours to 1500 hours local time using 12 F-16AM aircraft.
- Sixth Patrol: 1500 hours to 1800 hours local time using 8 F-16BM aircraft.
- Seventh Patrol: 1800 hours to 2100 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Eighth Patrol: 2100 hours to 2400 hours local time using 8 F-16BM aircraft.
[*] Changeover and Refueling: Approximately 30 minutes is allocated for changeover and refueling between patrols.​

408th Fighter Squadron “Cobra”:

[*] Frequency: Daily patrols
[*] Timing and Aircraft Deployment:
- First Patrol: 0100 hours to 0400 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Second Patrol: 0400 hours to 0700 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Third Patrol: 0700 hours to 1000 hours local time using 12 F-16AM aircraft.
- Fourth Patrol: 1000 hours to 1300 hours local time using 10 F-16AM aircraft.
- Fifth Patrol: 1300 hours to 1600 hours local time using 12 F-16AM aircraft.
- Sixth Patrol: 1600 hours to 1900 hours local time using 8 F-16BM aircraft.
- Seventh Patrol: 1900 hours to 2200 hours local time using 6 F-16BM aircraft.
- Eighth Patrol: 2200 hours to 0100 hours local time using 8 F-16BM aircraft.
[*] Changeover and Refueling: Approximately 30 minutes is allocated for changeover and refueling between patrols.​

6.2 Special Circumstances
In the event of a heightened security alert or specific intelligence indicating potential threats, additional patrols may be scheduled at the discretion of the Commanding Officer of each squadron, pending approval from the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force.

6.3 Pre-flight and Post-flight Briefing
Each patrol mission will include a mandatory pre-flight briefing 1 hour before takeoff and a post-flight debriefing immediately after landing. These briefings are essential to disseminate relevant information, intelligence, and assessment of the patrol mission.

6.4 Weather Considerations
Patrol schedules may be adjusted based on weather conditions. In case of severe weather, patrols may be postponed or canceled based on the evaluation and discretion of the Commanding Officer of each squadron.

6.5 Coordination with Naval Assets
Coordination with Royal Thai Navy and Coast Guard vessels patrolling the waters will be maintained during air patrols. Scheduled communication checks and updates on patrol status should be executed to ensure synchronized operations.

XVII. ConclusionX

8.1 The Royal Thai Air Force, in coordination with the Royal Thai Navy, is committed to ensuring the security and sovereignty of Thailand's territorial waters and EEZ. Through vigilant air patrols, aerial reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities, Operation Python-Cobra Shield complements Operation Coastal Shield in safeguarding the maritime domain of Thailand.

8.2 Continuous assessment of the operation, including patrol schedules, will be done to adjust the deployment and strategy as necessary. Inter-agency coordination and cooperation with neighboring countries will be a key component for the success of this operation.

Approving Authority:
[Signature]
Air Chief Marshal Thananit Niumtundhi
Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Air Force

[Signature]
Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Defence Minister

[Signature]
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister, Republic of Thailand

Document Clearance:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Interior
The National Intelligence Agency
The Royal Thai Air Force Command Center
The Royal Thai Navy Command Center

Distribution List:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Interior
The National Intelligence Agency
The Royal Thai Air Force Command Center
The Royal Thai Navy Command Center
The Royal Thai Police
Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
Air Defense Command