PHOTOS: Chinese, US and Indian military jets perform in Bangkok air show
Vortices are visible on its wings as a U.S. Air Force F-35A demonstration team fifth generation jet performs over Don Mueang air base in Bangkok, March 7, 2025.
Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA
Air force aerobatic and demonstration teams from China, India and the United States streaked through Bangkok’s overcast skies Friday, in a rare joint-showcase to mark the 88th anniversary of the Royal Thai Air Force.
China’s August 1st Aerobatic Team of People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team and the Indian Air Force Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team each performed separately, entertaining crowds at Don Mueang air base in the Thai capital.
Also present was Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a former F-5 fighter jet pilot.
“We did not have special conditions to have both the U.S. and Chinese aircraft to join. Politics is set aside and mutual respect is there,” Air Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Thailand’s air force chief, told reporters.
2025 0307_PLAAF_August1st_Formation-1.jpg
Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force Chengdu J-10 jets perform over Don Mueang air base in Bangkok, March 7, 2025. (Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA)
2025 0307_India_SuryaKiran_merge.jpg
Hawk Mk-132 jets with the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team from India’s air force fly close together as they perform over Don Mueang air base in Bangkok, March 7, 2025. (Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA)
2025 0307_USAF_F35A WeaponBay.jpg
A U.S. Air Force F-35A demonstration team fifth generation jet opens its weapons bay as it performs over Don Mueang air base in Bangkok, March 7, 2025. (Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA)
2025 0307_PLAAF_August1st_Split.jpg2025 0307_India_SuryaKiran_Formation-DNA.jpg
Hawk Mk-132 jets with the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team from India’s air force perform over Don Mueang air base in Bangkok, March 7, 2025. (Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA) Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews, produced this report.