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At the opening ceremony, bombs were dropped in a demonstration over a target area in an RTAF range in Chaibadan district.

During the 19-day event, tens of aircraft will perform aerobatic manoeuvres in air attack competitions, to hit the targets.

"This is one way to evaluate the pilots and raise dedication," said Air Chief Marshal Srichao Janrueng, commander of the RTAF's directorate of air operation control.

The competition involves aircraft from all 13 wings across the country, to seek out the best pilots, who will be awarded medals.

This year, F-16 fighters are being used as bombers.

One plane can carry four 500-pound bombs, each with a 1km kill-radius.

Yesterday's highlight was a demonstration of a rescue operation, involving two Italian-made Alfa Jets and two US-made Bell helicopters.

This was the last show of the day, emphasising the RTAF's motto: "Leave No Men Behind".

In the demonstration, one Alfa Jet flew low protected by the other. If one was shot down, the escort jet would provide close-air support to protect the helicopter rescue crew, while a second helicopter provided help to the injured.

All the aircraft left the scene as fast as possible, once their mission was over. "The air force is really important.

"You can learn from history, the air force always goes in first and it will be the turning point of the war," says Srichao.

He said the RTAF was one of the best in Southeast Asia.

"During competition, pilots and other aircrew are put to the test in almost real situations."

Asked to comment if the RTAF was ready for duty in the wake of growing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the air chief marshal said: "We are ready to defend the country and if the government wants us to evacuate our citizens from Cambodia, the Royal Thai |Air Force is 100 per cent ready to |do it."