US Does Not Sell F-35 to Thailand, Aims to Return 369 Million

24 Mei 2023

F-35A stealth fighter (photo : Lockheed Martin)

The Air Force stealth F-35 fighter jets, the United States does not sell them, claiming that the building, location, and confidential information are not ready and to return the budget of 369 million.

On May 23, 2023, news sources from the Air Force revealed the progress of the F-35 A fighter aircraft procurement program from the United States that over the past week, The US Ambassador met with Air Force Commander-in-Chief Alongkorn Wannarot to clarify the progress F-35 A procurement program 

Initially, he said that he had not yet sold, so he would like to slow down the deal. by reasoning about the readiness of the Royal Thai Air Force in terms of building security because the United States will focus on this matter. especially about news information first.

It is believed that the United States is still worried about the relationship between Thailand and China only he didn't speak just say Let the Air Force be ready first. If you are ready, let's talk again.

However, the Air Force was not damaged. Just have to return the budget of 369 million baht according to the promise given to the Extraordinary Committee for Considering the Budget Act for the year 2023.

The Bangkok Post news agency reported citing sources from the Air Force that the US Department of Defense Rejected Thailand's bid to buy F-35 fighter jets and offered F-16 Block 70 and F-15 Eagle fighters instead. The Royal Thai Air Force is ready, probably in the next 5-10 years.

The source also stated that the Air Force is still considering buying a Gripen fighter jet. Another fleet from Sweden's Saab AB. The Royal Thai Air Force previously purchased 12 Gripen fighter jets stationed at Wing 7 in Surat Thani province, losing one in a 2017 accident.

(pptvhd36)