Thailand Gets its First New South Korea Fighter Jets

The move marks further progress for Bangkok’s air force modernization despite continued challenges and constraints.

By Prashanth Parameswaran

 

On January 8, South Korean media outlets reported that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the country’s aircraft manufacturer, had begun delivery of trainer jets to Thailand’s air force. The move marks further progress for Thailand in its air force modernization despite continued challenges and budget constraints.

 

KAI has already been involved in several key Southeast Asian markets with the T-50 and its variants which have made the headlines over the past few years. Specifically, KAI had previously accepted orders for 12 FA-50s to the Philippines and 16 T-50s to Indonesia. All in all, KAI has exported 64 T-50s worth around $2.9 billion since 2011 and is pushing for exports in other markets as well.

 

Thailand has been on that list as well in recent years. Back in September 2015, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) signed a 3.7 billion baht contract with KAI to procure four T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers, with deliveries set at that time for 2018.

 

Full story:  https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/thailand-gets-its-first-new-south-korea-fighter-jets/

 

-- THE DIPLOMAT 2018-01-10

Did they get the pilots, too, or will these be the guys with the mini van driver mentality from around the corner ?

 

Don't they get it that NO ONE WANTS to invade Thailand? It's already been occupied by the Chinese and you think anyone is gonna mess with the CHINESE?!?

From the article

 

 

do they know that the planes are flying upside down?

This would be a first maybe!? Buying at a price less than others? Unless my maths is wrong of course

There goes the flood control money

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle - Wikipedia

"The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (골든이글) is a family of South Korean supersonic advanced trainers and light combat aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin. The T-50 is South Korea's first indigenous supersonic aircraft and one of the world's few supersonic trainers"

 

That's what you get when you: "Invest in People".

 

 

A placard in all new Kai T-50 aircraft.

 

Caution, when performing barrel rolls, ensure the nose does not drop in the inverted position.

What happened with JAS they bought from Sweden, not long time ago?

They say money does not grow on trees But they are wrong because it does here in Thailand

 

Here we have a government That has plenty of money for military equipment but no money for Roads Schools Hospitals  etc Makes you wonder where they are getting all this extra cash all of sudden to buy trainer jets Maybe traded in some of those watches

33 minutes ago, Hupaponics said:

What happened with JAS they bought from Sweden, not long time ago?

I have no idea, but according to a well known source Thailand originally purchased 6 JAS which were delivered in 2011. 4 were 2 seat versions. In 2010 they ordered 6 more and deliveries began in 2013. It was thought at the time 40 more were to be ordered.

It all seems to point to a procurement program with a focus on variety rather than compatibility.

1 hour ago, Happyman58 said:

Here we have a government That has plenty of money for military equipment but no money for Roads Schools Hospitals  etc

Isn't it like this in most countries?

Having lived in Korea for six years I have to wonder how many weeks it will take for the wings to fall off. The workmanship there is atrocious. 

7 hours ago, Hupaponics said:

What happened with JAS they bought from Sweden, not long time ago?

These are not combat airplanes but for training

5 hours ago, chama said:

Having lived in Korea for six years I have to wonder how many weeks it will take for the wings to fall off. The workmanship there is atrocious. 

South Korean engineering is some of the best in the world..... Are you sure you weren't in North Korea? 

12 hours ago, jackdd said:

Isn't it like this in most countries?

Do true Jackdd Guns first citizens second

47 minutes ago, Happyman58 said:

Do true Jackdd Guns first citizens second

Sorry meant to say So not Do lol lol lol

 

Seems that the Thai Air Force is taking lessons for TG.......not very efficiant to have different aircraft vendors.....different training, spares, test equipment, etc.

 

Like marriage, it's not the initial investment that hurts but the upkeep that will kill you 

17 hours ago, speedtripler said:

South Korean engineering is some of the best in the world..... Are you sure you weren't in North Korea? 

Of course you are right, S. Korea has excellent engineers. The workmanship....well let's hope the plane can fly without wings and any parts that fall off. They will look good though, just don't peel back the skin to expose the construction beneath. 

Interesting how those that have never even seen a KAI product or factory can make derogatory statements. I managed a joint project with KAI for 4 years and have been in the T-50 factory many times. This is an excellent aircraft and quality control is strict. The penalties for poor workmanship at KAI can be extreme so management ensures high performance standards. As to the variants, KAI has both trainer and fighter versions of the T-50.

11 hours ago, asiaexpat said:

Interesting how those that have never even seen a KAI product or factory can make derogatory statements. I managed a joint project with KAI for 4 years and have been in the T-50 factory many times. This is an excellent aircraft and quality control is strict. The penalties for poor workmanship at KAI can be extreme so management ensures high performance standards. As to the variants, KAI has both trainer and fighter versions of the T-50.

And you know where people have been and what they have seen how? I can assure you I have laid eyes for many years on Korean products. And as you have indicated some are very good and many are put to market with very shoddy workmanship. If the Thais have a strict quality assurance program insulated from other "influences" the wings should remain in place.