Historic Flights Mark New Heights in U.S.-Thai Air Force Partnership

25 August 2025

From Master Sgt. Brandy Burke, Washington Air National Guard

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand — A new chapter in U.S.-Thai Air Force interoperability unfolded on Aug. 18, 2025, as U.S. Air Force weapons system officers (WSOs) took to the skies in a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) AT-6 aircraft for the first time during the ongoing Enduring Partners exchange. This landmark event underscores the program's commitment to deepening professional and personal bonds through shared training and expertise.

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Royal Thai Air Force Airmen prepare an orientation of their AT-6 aircraft for U.S. Air Force Weapons Systems Officers during Enduring Partners on August 18, 2025 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Enduring Partners is an exchange designed to bolster interoperability and partnership, and is part of the National Guard-sponsored State Partnership Program which formally began between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Washington National Guard in 2002. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez)

A Royal Thai Air Force pilot and U.S. Air Force Weapons Systems Officer, 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, prepare to taxi for their historical flight together during Enduring Partners on August 18, 2025 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The WSO works alongside the pilot, particularly in two-seat fighter jets, to optimize the aircraft's capabilities and mission success. The flight marked the first time a U.S. WSO has flown with the RTAF in the AT-6 aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez)

Two AT-6 aircraft taxi on the runway during Enduring Partners on August 19, 2025 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. A Royal Thai Air Force pilot and U.S. Air Force Weapons Systems Officer, 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard sat second seat in the lead aircraft, marking the first time a U.S. WSO has flown with the RTAF in the AT-6. Enduring Partners gives U.S. and Thai servicemembers an opportunity to strengthen relationships, validate and enhance interoperability through training, air-to-air refueling, and ground-controlled interception. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez)

RTAF pilots provided extensive orientations, giving the American WSOs detailed tours of the AT-6 aircraft and explaining its procedures and functions. These briefings were crucial as WSOs work directly with pilots, particularly in two-seat aircraft, to optimize their capabilities and ensure mission success.

The initial flights mark a new chapter in combined air operations between the two nations.

Enduring Partners is more than a training event; it's an exchange specifically designed to bolster interoperability and partnership. It operates under the National Guard-sponsored State Partnership Program, a long-standing initiative that formally began between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Washington National Guard in 2002. These engagements enhance capability and interoperability while strengthening trust between like-minded nations.