Border Defense Force undergoes 5th combative drone training exercise, led by Ratchamanu Task Force.
In a bid to enhance its border security and protect Thailand's sovereignty, the military has launched the Combat Drone Operator Training Programme. This initiative primarily targets soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division and the Naresuan Force, equipping them with the skills to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for tactical bomb-dropping missions.
The programme, conducted by the Ratchamanu Task Force under the Naresuan Force, underscores Thailand's commitment to safeguarding its national interests along its borders. The training programme reinforces the military's modernization of border security operations, providing soldiers with the tools necessary to adapt quickly to changing security challenges.
The training sessions include practical exercises in combat drone operation, focusing on tactical use. The programme has been held at least five times as of August 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain readiness.
The purpose of the training programme is multifold. It aims to improve soldiers' skills in operating armed drones for tactical bombing and reconnaissance, to adapt quickly to changing security challenges along the borders, and to modernize and strengthen the military’s border security capabilities.
The enhanced capabilities of these soldiers will bolster rapid response and surveillance along contested border regions, particularly the Thai-Cambodian border where clashes have escalated. The programme complements other security measures like drone bans and anti-drone systems to control unauthorized aerial activities.
The training programme supports the broader military strategy that includes air power (F-16s and Gripens) and ground forces for precision strikes and defense operations. This integration of drone technology into Thailand’s tactical defense framework is expected to maintain national sovereignty and protect civilian populations near the borders.
In line with Thailand's efforts to counter unauthorized drones, the programme solidifies the role of armed drones in the country's tactical defense framework, aiming to maintain national sovereignty and protect civilian populations near the borders.
[1] Source: The Nation (Thailand) [2] Source: Bangkok Post [3] Source: Reuters [4] Source: Jane's International Defence Review [5] Source: ASEAN Post
- The training programme, designed to enhance soldiers' drone operation skills, aligns with Thailand's commitment to modernize its technology in safeguarding national interests, especially within the realm of business security along its borders.
- With the implementation of the drone training programme, Thailand demonstrates a strategic integration of technology into its border security operations, aiming to bolster its business sovereignty and protect its civilian populations effectively.
