BANGKOK, Nov. 15 -- The Thai air force has deployed a squadron of 14 F-5 TH jet fighters and 17 U-1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Air force chief ACM Manat Wongwat on Thursday presided over the ceremony for the commissioning of the upgraded F-5 TH jet fighters and U-1 UAVs at Air Wing 6 in Don Mueang area of Bangkok.

The new squadron of jet fighters, equipped with modified avionics, precision guidance and long-range missile systems, have been largely developed by the Thai air force, ACM Manat said.

The F-5 TH jet fighters have been developed and modified for a 15-years deployment, he confirmed.

Besides, the air force has manufactured 17 UAVs for rapid deployment. The U-1 can fly in a 100-kilometers range for eight hours at a time.

Manat said the air force has also planned to upgrade Alpha Jet light attack aircraft as multi-role combat aircraft.