China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has deployed J-10C fighter jets to Thailand for the latest edition of the Falcon Strike exercise, where they will train alongside Royal Thai Air Force Gripens. Chinese state media confirmed that the aircraft will participate in missions focused on escorting troop transport aircraft, operating as part of a combined force and conducting emergency medical evacuation operations in hostile environments. Y-20 transport aircraft will also take part in the exercise.
The deployment is intended to demonstrate the J-10C’s growing role within the PLAAF and its ability to operate alongside foreign air forces. Chinese analysts highlighted the aircraft’s widespread adoption by the service, while the Y-20s will be used to demonstrate their ability to transport personnel, air defense equipment and logistical supplies. Together, these capabilities are expected to showcase China’s ability to conduct limited-scale overseas deployments
According to Chinese analyst Wang Yanan, joint air defense will be one of the relevant elements of the exercise, particularly given the range of potential aerial threats faced by modern military forces. The training will allow Chinese and Thai units to practice coordinating missions, assigning tasks and identifying targets while operating alongside different aircraft and participating forces
A growing tradition of China-Thailand air exercises
The 2026 edition of Falcon Strike will mark the ninth joint exercise between the Chinese and Thai air forces and the fifth consecutive edition to take place in Thailand. The recurring drills reflect the growing military relationship between Beijing and Bangkok, while also demonstrating China’s expanding participation in multinational training activities across Southeast Asia
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin described regular military cooperation between countries in the region as contributing to regional stability
The two countries have already operated a variety of aircraft together during previous editions.In Falcon Strike 2024, both sides deployed J-10C and Gripen fighters to Udorn Air Base.During the 2023 edition, the Chinese contingent included J-10, JH-7A/AII and J-11B/S fighters, supported by KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Thailand, meanwhile, deployed Gripens, Alpha Jets and Saab 340 AEW aircraft. The repeated participation of the J-10C is particularly significant, as the exercise provides Chinese pilots with an opportunity to train against and alongside a Western-designed fighter operated by a regional partner.
China and Thailand have also expanded their military cooperation beyond air power. Their ground forces have conducted exercises focused on hostage rescue and counterterrorism operations, while their navies have participated in the Blue Strike series of drills. These naval exercises have included Chinese Type 039 submarines, Type 054A frigates and Type 071 amphibious assault ships, among other platforms
The latest Falcon Strike deployment therefore represents another step in the broader military relationship between China and Thailand, while giving the PLAAF an additional opportunity to demonstrate its ability to deploy combat aircraft and supporting assets overseas
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