Royal Thai Air Force SAAB JAS-39C/D Gripen Exercise Pitch Black 2018

Exercise Pitch Black 2018 witnessed many firsts, and one of those was the return arrival of the Royal Thai Air Force with their SAAB JAS-39C/D Gripen Fighters from 701 Squadron, which are based at RTAF Base Surat Thani, in the southern region of Thailand. This deployment created many opportunities for the visiting crews and participating nations associated with ExPB18 to perfect their skills in the art of aerial warfare. ASO’s videographer Mark Pourzenic was privileged to have obtained access during one of the morning launches and afternoon recoveries during the Exercise at RAAF Base Darwin as the Gripens taxied out for departure and their return.