The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has completed the second phase of modernization of its Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets. The last two upgraded aircraft, an F-5E and a two-seat F-5F, were presented on 16/02, ending the upgrade work on the planes. 

In a statement, the RTAF says that 14 F-5E/F fighters have been upgraded to the F-5 TH Super Tigris standard, as part of the B.Khor.18 B/C Capability Improvement Project, which upgraded aircraft systems and structures. One of the fighters, an F-5F TH, was lost in an accident in 2021 after colliding with birds, leaving only two F-5Fs in the RTAF. 

The modernization of the F-5 Super Tigris was carried out by the Israeli Elbit Systems — the same company responsible for the modernization of the Brazilian F-5M — with RV Connex of Thailand. The planes received upgrades in detection, weaponry, self-defense and tactical data linking systems. 

Second Janes, the new tactical datalink is most likely the domestic T-Link system. This upgrade will allow the Super Tigris to securely transfer and receive data from the RTAF's JAS-39 Gripen C/D and F-16A/B fighters.

During the event, the F-5E registration 21112 and the F-5F 21104 were presented, with a single seat model armed with Lizard III bombs, guided by laser, and the short range air-to-air missiles IRIS-T, guided by infra-red. The missile developed in Germany works together with the Elbit Dash IV helmet with integrated display, the same used by the Brazilian Air Force F-5 pilots. 

“Aircraft conducting air operations can now fly both day and night missions, with the ability to face more advanced threats as well as the ability to support network-centric operations,” said the air force in release. 

Now the RTAF must move on to the third phase of the B.Khor.18 B/C programme, announced in December 2022, which includes the purchase of Martin-Baker Mk.16 ejection seats, manufactured in the UK. The RTAF will invest US$7,42 million in the purchase of 17 seats. 

This is the third modernization of Thailand's F-5s, in service since 1978. Operated by 211 Squadron, the F-5 TH Super Tigris will start to retire from 2029.