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Thailand: the Super Tigris

One of the last F-5 fleets in Southeast Asia, rebuilt with modern radar and missiles to fly into the 2030s.

A grey F-5E on a wet ramp under monsoon clouds, lit by a shaft of sunlight
Original illustration A Tiger II waiting out the monsoon on a wet ramp, painted for this site. It sets the scene; for the real Super Tigris, go by the sources on this page.
Since1978
Upgraded14 F-5E/F
Unit211 Squadron

Tigers since 1978

The Royal Thai Air Force has flown F-5E and F-5F Tiger IIs since 1978, from a fleet that once numbered 46.[3] Its first F-5 upgrade, called Tigris, added the Python IV infrared missile.[1]

Super Tigris

In 2014 the government approved upgrading 10 aircraft, and four more followed in 2017, for 14 in all.[1][4] Elbit Systems of Israel converted the first two and Thai teams did the rest.[3] The first Super Tigris was unveiled at Ubon Ratchathani on 23 May 2018, which was also the 40th anniversary of the F-5 in Thai service.[1]

The upgrade brought a new radar that can see beyond visual range and map the ground, plus newer missiles: Python V, the radar-guided Derby and the IRIS-T used by Thailand's Gripens.[1][3] The air force describes the result as a "4.5 generation fighter."[1]

What it cost, and what it bought

The first phase, approved in 2014 for 10 aircraft, cost about 2.05 billion baht, roughly $61.6 million.[4] In August 2017 Elbit Systems announced a contract worth about $93 million to upgrade F-5s for an unnamed "Asia-Pacific country"; AIN reported it alongside Thailand's upgrade plans.[5] The air force hoped the work would stretch each airframe's life from 7,200 to 9,600 flying hours, about 15 more years.[5]

A new data link lets the Super Tigris share information with Thailand's Gripen C/D and F-16A/B fighters, so the old Tiger fights as part of a modern network rather than alone.[6]

Showing it off

A single-seat and a two-seat Super Tigris made their first international appearance at the Singapore Airshow in February 2020.[1] It was a rare chance to see an F-5 fitted with a modern radar and missiles at a public show.

Today

The upgraded jets fly with 211 Squadron, Wing 21, at Ubon Ratchathani near the borders with Cambodia and Laos.[1][2] The programme was formally completed in February 2023. One two-seater was lost to a bird strike in December 2021.[2] The jets are expected to serve into the early 2030s.[1]

Last updated

Sources

  1. Thailand shows off Tiger fighter upgrade, AIN (2020)
  2. Thailand completes upgrade of F-5 fighters, Singapore Airshow (2023)
  3. Royal Thai Air Force receives F-5F Super Tigris prototype, Air Recognition (2018)
  4. Thailand to upgrade more F-5 fighter jets, The Diplomat (2017)
  5. Thailand's latest F-5 upgrade features Israeli kit, AIN (2017)
  6. RTAF completes upgrades to F-5 fighter aircraft fleet, Janes (2023)
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