Three nations showcase military unity in international elephant walk

On March 25, 2025, the United States Air Force, the Thai Air Force, and the Singaporean Air Force participated in a coordinated military exercise known as the international elephant walk, which took place on the taxiway at Korat Royal Air Base in Thailand. This event marked a significant display of trilateral cooperation and military cohesion among the three nations. It followed the Cope Tiger 25 exercise, which celebrated its 31st year of collaboration during annual drills involving the three air forces, aimed at enhancing interoperability and promoting regional stability. Over the course of ten days, numerous drills were conducted, showcasing the capabilities of the aircraft from each country. The aircraft involved included notable models such as F-16 Fighting Falcons, Saab JAS-39 Gripens, Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs, KAI FA-50 Golden Eagles, F-15SG Eagles, and Airbus A330 MRTT tankers. While this particular elephant walk was not the largest in history, it was significant for featuring such a diverse lineup of aircraft from different nationalities. The practice of staging an elephant walk has historical roots dating back to World War II, when large formations of Allied bombers were assembled for attacks. Elephant walks not only demonstrate a unit's operational capability but also prepare pilots for launching fully armed aircraft in mass flight operations. The importance of such coordinated events lies in strengthening the collaborations between allied nations, showcasing their joint airpower, and sending a clear message of military readiness and solidarity to potential adversaries. This event represents a critical step in maintaining the defense posture and readiness of the participating air forces. Moreover, this elephant walk followed other significant instances within the U.S. Air Force where large formations were previously arranged, including a unique event two years ago at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, which featured 4,000 student Airmen and numerous training aircraft on the runway together. This coordinated effort has become a vital aspect of demonstrating the capability and readiness of the armed forces, thereby reinforcing the commitments of the U.S. and its international partners in assuring strong defense attributes worldwide.