Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilots are receiving training on Gripen Fighters at Skaraborg Wing, F7, in Sweden.

The two phase training – Conversion Training (CT) and Combat Readiness Training (CRT) – will combine theory classes with training flights in the simulator and Gripen aircraft over the next six months.

This phase of the training is carried out entirely on the Gripen C/D lightweight single engine multirole fighter aircraft.

After one month of theory training combined with simulator flights, RTAF pilots will fly in the twin-seat Gripen D for a week together with an instructor before proceeding to five solo flights.

CRT will involve learning to operate the radar and weapons systems and how to use them tactically in battle.

This part of the training will last for about ten weeks, while the training programme is expected to be completed by the end of June this year.