Thailand | Exercise Sunny Flight 2003

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Title: Exercise Sunny Flight 2003
Document Number: RTAF-EXSNF-001/2003
Classification: Semi-Confidential | Secret
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Traditional Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: July 8, 2003

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XI. IntroductionX

Background and Objective

The Republic Thai Air Force Wing Four's 403rd Fighter Squadron "Sunny" has always been an essential combat group because of its close proximity to both Laos and Cambodia's strategic positions. To guarantee the preparedness of the Thai military, which shows no signs of danger, the Thai Force regularly conducts a number of military drills as part of their regular training. Exercise Sunny Flight 2003, as well, was strictly within the regular scope and does not imply that the Thai military is responding to or reacting to anything; any such exercise would require explicit description. This exercise has five main objectives.

1. Air-to-Air Combat Proficiency: Engage in simulated dogfights to enhance pilot skills in close-quarters combat.
2. Air-to-Ground Operations: Practice precision strikes on ground targets using a mix of guided and unguided munitions.
3. Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures Training: Implement scenarios involving electronic countermeasures and enemy radar jamming.
4. Night and All-Weather Operations: Conduct operations under various weather conditions and during night-time to test all-weather operational capability.
5. Interoperability and Coordination: Focus on coordination with ground and naval forces, as well as with other air units.

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance

This operation is conducted under the guidance of the Defense Minister, Sutin Klungsang, and approval from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

Republic Thai Air Force Wing Three

• Ubon Air Base
  • 403rd Fighter Squadron “Sunny"
    • 575 Ground Crews
      • [34] F-16AM Block 20 MLU
        • 34 Pilots
      • [16] F-16BM Block 20 MLU
        • 32 Pilots/Crews

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 Increased Vigilance (IVG) and 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.

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 Exercise Sunny Flight 2003. The Defense Ministry expects that its contribution will represent Thailand's role as a regional leader dedicated to peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia

[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

 

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Secret unless contextual possible.​

When Exercise Sunny Flight 2003 was launched, 641 key personnel—pilots and ground crews combined—were called to their duty right away. Because all of these individuals were already on active duty and stationed in areas that permitted swift deployment, the mobilization process was extremely rapid. All of the people who were called upon to take part were in excellent mental and physical condition. Their preparedness served as both a prerequisite and an indication of the strenuous, continuous physical and psychological training they received as part of their military education. All of the aircraft that were used in the exercise were kept in excellent condition to guarantee that their structural integrity and operational efficacy were at the highest level. Every aircraft was in perfect condition for the exercise due to the meticulous attention to detail that went into these maintenance checks. Known by many as "Sunny," the 403rd Fighter Squadron was instrumental in this exercise. 'Sunny' was a reference to their extensive involvement in the Fourth Indochina War. In one day, the squadron dropped more than two million pounds (or 907,184.7 kilograms) of bombs during a significant bombing campaign in Southern Laos. The area was drenched in sunlight after this heavy bombing, leaving behind the thick canopies that had previously obscured it, which is how they got their unusual moniker. This historical allusion highlighted not only their fighting skills but also the squadron's illustrious past and stellar reputation inside the armed forces.

Simulation and Theory was the first part of Exercise Sunny Flight 2003, and it lasted for one week. This phase's main goal was to establish a solid theoretical framework and offer a realistic simulation environment so that pilots could become acquainted with contemporary air combat tactics, adversary capabilities, and potential countermeasures without taking on the risks involved in in-person training.

The first component would take three days to complete and was titled Classroom Instructions on Modern Air Combat Tactics. The subjects covered included Close Air Support (CAS) protocols, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) tactics, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagement tactics, and basic to advanced air combat maneuvers (ACM). The Republic Air Force would employ interactive lectures by seasoned combat instructors, historical analysis of air combat encounters, and discourse on developing strategies utilizing cutting-edge technologies (such as drones and stealth).

The second component, which would take three days to complete, was called Simulation-Based Training for Complex Combat Scenarios. This section included a number of simulator features. Every pilot would be participating in a high-fidelity simulation that mirrored the controls and cockpit of an F-16AM/BM. For 360-degree situational awareness, they would have access to virtual reality environments with realistic physics and weapon system behavior. They participated in a variety of scenarios during their simulated exercise. Training modules include electronic warfare simulations, such as jamming radar and evading missiles, ground attack missions in contested environments, and dogfighting scenarios against different enemy aircraft types. Each pilot was evaluated based on their ability to make tactical decisions under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, handle an aircraft and operate systems well.

Briefings on Enemy Capabilities and Potential Countermeasures was the final and third component of the first phase. It was expected to take one day to complete. The Air Force analysts would provide them with an overview of possible enemy air forces, with a focus on aircraft types and capabilities from China, Poland, and Egypt. Additionally, each of them would provide an update on geopolitical and regional dynamics that may impact future conflicts. After that, they would learn how to counter sophisticated radar and missile systems from the analysts and combat instructors, including how to employ Electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) techniques. There was also an introduction and analysis of air warfare's use of stealth and deception. They would also examine how recent air engagements around the globe have affected current tactics, as well as the lessons that have been learned from previous conflicts.

By the end of this phase, all 403rd Fighter Squadron “Sunny” would have a solid understanding of the complexities and nuances of modern air combat, enemy capabilities and how to effectively counter them, and theoretical knowledge to be applied in subsequent phases of the exercise.​

 

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Secret unless contextual possible.​

The second phase of Exercise Sunny Flight 2003 would begin with the name of Individual Skill Enhancement, taking two weeks. The goal of this phase was to enhance individual pilot skills in three key areas: air-to-air combat, precision bombing, and low altitude flying. This phase would refine the tactical abilities of each pilot, providing hands-on experience in a controlled but challenging environment.

The first component of this phase was the Air-to-Air Combat Maneuvers. The training focus were the mastery of basic to advanced dogfighting skills, engaging and evading multiple adversaries, and the effective utilization of BVR (Beyond Visual Range) and WVR (Within Visual Range) weapon systems. The exercise would include the following. The pilots would engage in mock dog fights against instructor pilots and other squadron members. They would train in engagement simulating outnumbered scenarios and ambush situations. This component would use Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) for detailed post-flight analysis. By the end of this component, all pilots would have the following skilling. They excel in tactical decision-making and heightened situation awareness. They mastered maneuver execution and energy management. They were exceptional in weapon systems handling and targeting accuracy.

The second component was the Precision Bombing Runs on Test Ranges. The training focus was on accuracy in delivering guided and unguided munitions, target identification and prioritization under simulated combat conditions, and the coordination with Forward Air Controllers (FAC) for Close Air Support (CAS) missions. The exercise would include the following. The pilots would engage in day and night bombing runs on designated test ranges far from any settlements, including Simulated Time Sensitive Targeting (TST) scenarios. They would use various munitions types available in Thai service (e.g., laser-guided bombs, GPS-guided bombs). By the end of this training and exercise, all pilots would have the following skills. They excel in bombing accuracy and consistency. They exceptionally and meticulously adhere to the Rules of Engagement (ROE) and target discrimination They maintained effective communication with ground controllers.

The third component was the Low-Altitude Flying and Terrain-Hugging Exercises. The training focus was the mastery of low-altitude navigation skills to evade radar detection, terrain-following techniques for ingress and egress from target areas and managing aircraft dynamics and situation awareness at low altitudes. The exercise would include the following. The aircraft would fly through the pre-defined low-altitude routes with varying terrain in Thailand. They would conduct pop-up attack and rapid altitude changes. Furthermore, they engaged in simulated threat environments with ground-based air defenses. By the end of this exercise, all pilots would have the following skills. They had precision in following terrain contours. They excel in handling high-speed, low-altitude dynamics. They were exceptional in risk management and emergency response skill.​

 

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Secret unless contextual possible.​

The third phase, titled "Group Tactics and Coordination," began two weeks after the second phase was initiated. This phase's main objective was to further enhance the squadron's capacity to function as a cohesive unit and greatly increase its effectiveness in joint operations. Improving interoperability with various military branches was a major focus of this phase, as this is an essential competency in intricate, multi-domain operations. In order to mimic real-world obstacles, a particular emphasis was given during this phase on operating under challenging conditions, such as operations in inclement weather and at night. The squadron trained in a range of aircraft formations designed for certain tactical scenarios, including close air support and air superiority operations. Combat movements were executed in unison throughout these drills, highlighting timing and cooperation within the squadron structure. In addition, the squadron improved their ability to communicate and adhere to command procedure, both of which are essential for preserving operational effectiveness and integrity. This was accomplished through a series of formation flying drills that comprised offensive and defensive maneuvers, tactical retreats, and regrouping exercises, all in the context of realistic war scenarios. The squadron members had significantly increased their accuracy and efficiency in formation flying by the end of this phase. They exhibited great ability to make tactical decisions as a unified team and a deep comprehension of the significance of effective communication and rigorous obedience to directives.

A vital part of the squadron's readiness, the training allowed air operations with ground and naval forces to be smoothly integrated. Joint mission planning and execution were used to carefully manage this integration, with a focus on using data connection technologies to guarantee high levels of interoperability across the various branches. Combined air-ground operations were carried out as part of this extensive training, when the squadron collaborated with fictitious ground troops. During naval drills, this included close air support and air cover, both of which were essential for learning the dynamics of combined operations. Joint search and rescue operations were also carried out, emphasizing the significance of multi-domain competency and collaboration. Making sure that the staff was skilled at working in low-light situations was a major emphasis of the training. These featured strategies created especially for unfavorable weather conditions like storms and intense winds. A vital component of this training was the utilization of all-weather sensors and night vision technologies. Night flying exercises were carried out both with and without night vision equipment to equip the unit with critical abilities for low-light missions. In order to better prepare the squadron for real-world situations, the training also included navigation and aiming exercises in poor weather simulations. Every member of the squadron was also well trained in emergency procedures in harsh environmental conditions, guaranteeing that they could all respond to unforeseen circumstances in a safe and effective manner.​