Thailand | Exercise White Knight Flight 2003

[Bossza007]

---

---

Title: Exercise White Knight Flight 2003
Document Number: RTAF-EXWKG-001/2003
Classification: Semi-Confidential | Secret
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Traditional Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: July 16, 2003

---

XI. IntroductionX

Background and Objective

With the formation of the 201st Fighter Squadron, namely "White Knight," it is imperative for the Republic Thai Air Force Wing One to ensure this unit is ready to protect the airspace of Bangkok Metropolitan Region, and, to greater extend, the entire Thailand.

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

• Don Muang Air Base
  • 201st Fighter Squadron “White Knight"
    • 575 Ground Crews
      • [34] Saab JAS 39 C Gripen
        • 34 Pilots
      • [16] Saab JAS 39 D Gripen
        • 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 White Knight 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

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

A Saab JAS 39 C Gripen taking off from Don Muang Air Base​

By the time that Exercise White Knight began on July 16, 2003, all of 641 personnel and 34/16 Saab Jas 39 C/D Gripen of the 201st Fighter Squadron would already be situated in don Muang Air Base. All personnel would be in their best health and mental condition, having passed through rigorous training before this exercise. Each aircraft was recently built, representing the epitome of structural integrity and operational efficiency.

The first phase of Exercise White Knight 2003 was the Theoretical Training and Briefing. All personnel would be introduced to the aircraft overview, covering the basic design, avionics, and capabilities of the Saab 39 Gripen, focusing on the differences between the C and D variants. Instructor would focus on system familiarization, detailing instruction on the aircraft's radar, electronic warfare systems, communication systems, and engine performance. They would learn the limitation of such aircrafts, discussing the operational limits, such as maximum altitude, speed, G-force tolerance, and range. The instructors would also educate each personnel on survivability and countermeasures, teaching pilots about the aircraft’s defensive systems, including countermeasures against missiles and radar detection.

Instructors would introduce scenario analysis, presenting various hypothetical scenarios including air-to-air engagements, ground support, and reconnaissance missions. Each personnel would learn about rapid response planning, emphasizing the importance of quick decision-making and planning in response to sudden threats like hostile aircraft incursions or missile attacks. They would be educated on resource allocation, teaching them how to effectively allocate resources such as fuel, armaments, and time during different mission types. They would also learn about coordination with other forces, explaining to them how to coordinate with ground and naval units, as well as other air units, during complex operations. The instructor would inform the engagement rules to them, clarifying the conditions under which pilots are authorized to engage hostile forces. They would learn about the international laws, covering the aspects of international law relevant to air combat, such as sovereignty and the laws of armed conflict. Finally, the instructor would educate them on the escalation of force, discussing the protocols for escalating force in a controlled and legal manner.

After a week of the first phase, Exercise White Knight 2003 would transition toward the second phase, the Flight Training Exercises. All pilots and crews on board (personnel) would partake in aerobatic training, including loops, rolls, immelmans, and split-S maneuvers to improve pilot agility and aircraft handling. In their high-g training, the exercise would train pilots to operate under high-G conditions, emphasizing the physiological effects and mitigation techniques. They would partake in low-altitude flying, practicing flying at low altitudes for terrain-hugging and avoidance of radar detection.

The personnel would learn to fly in formation, training in flying in various formations such as finger-four, line abreast, and echelon for different operational scenarios. Dynamics Reformation also included, practicing the ability to quickly change formations in response to tactical situations. They would learn how to effectively manage communication and coordination, emphasizing on intra-squadron communication for smooth formation transitions and tactical maneuvers.

They would train to use air-to-air weapon, conduct live-fire exercises using the aircraft's air-to-air missiles and gun systems, focusing on targeting and engagement procedures. They would utilize air-to-ground weapon, practicing with air-to-ground ordnance, emphasizing accuracy and the minimization of collateral damage. They would conduct live fire exercise of air-to-surface weapon, such anti-ship missile, and air-launched cruised missiles. They would train on dropping bombs, conducting live-fire of various bombs to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and target discrimination. Finally, they would learn to excel at weapon system management, educating pilots on managing ammunition, targeting systems, and prioritizing targets during complex combat scenarios.​

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

Exercise White Knight 2003 would now transition toward the third phase, Advanced Tactical Training. They would conduct basic engagement starting with one-on-one engagements to hone individual combat skills. Multiple opponents were also included to progress into scenarios involving multiple adversaries to simulate real-world air combat complexities. They would conduct Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements, training in long-range missile engagements, focusing on radar usage, missile evasion, and situational awareness. Within Visual Range (WVR) engagements were also included to practice close-quarters dogfighting, emphasizing maneuverability and rapid targeting. The RTAF instructors would teach all personnel advanced air combat maneuvers (ACMs) like the high yo-yo, low yo-yo, and the scissors to gain positional advantage. It also included instruction on energy management in combat, understanding when to engage or disengage based on the aircraft's energy state. The exercise would train pilots in maximizing the effectiveness of radar and infrared sensors for target acquisition and tracking. They would practice using the aircraft's full range of air-to-air weapons, including semi-active and active radar-guided missiles, and heat-seeking missiles.

The Saab JAS 39 C/D Gripen pilots would also train in target identification and engagement. This included emphasizing the importance of accurate target identification to avoid collateral damage. They would practice precision strikes using guided bombs, unguided bombs, and strafing runs with the aircraft’s cannon. They would conduct training for various mission profiles such as Close Air Support (CAS), Deep Air Support (DAS), and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). This also included scenarios requiring coordination with ground-based forward air controllers (FACs) for target designation and mission support. Pilots would be trained in striking targets in different terrains (urban, rural, mountainous) and under various weather conditions. This also included practicing low-level ingress to targets to avoid radar detection and anti-aircraft threats.

The White Kight Squadron would also train in the use of Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) o jam enemy radars and missile guidance systems, which also included scenarios where pilots must utilize ECM to break radar locks or evade incoming missiles. Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) was also the main emphasis of this training. The exercise would teach tactics to overcome enemy ECM, focusing on techniques to maintain radar contact and missile lock on jamming adversaries, which also included training on the use of alternate sensors and tactics when primary systems are being jammed. Furthermore, they would conduct exercises in environments where electronic communications are degraded or denied. This included training pilots in manual and non-traditional methods of navigation and targeting when electronic aids are unavailable or unreliable.​