Thai Air Force Affirms New Fighter Jets Are a ’Necessity’

[wombat]

With the free sub from uncle Ho that can be parked up at the new sub base in Cambodia and now some new planes, place won't know itself.

[MadMac]

3 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

They bought reconditioned harriers from the Spanish for the carrier, which soon fell into disrepair. 

That's the story, anyone ever seen a Harrier flying? Guess not.

[worgeordie]

Do they want them for defence or because they keep crashing them,

any money would be better spent on education * , social security for

the poor ,handicapped , and the old,    * really they don't want the population

to be any more educated than they are now, If they get smart they might

start asking questions that are hard to answer.

 

regards worgeordie

 

[2fishin2]

Cope Tiger is going on every years follows Cobra Gold.

[Jimbo2014]

Hopefully not Chinese ones with massive service contracts and aging diesel engines.  

[Muhendis]

4 hours ago, meechai said:

What would the prize be?

Cheap holidays for the Russians perhaps?

[sqwakvfr]

A Win Win solution.  Sine the US is blocking Poland from giving MiG-29's to Ukraine then how about the Thai Air Force taking them off Poland's hands?  The F-35's have a steep learning curve in terms of actually flying and of course the maintenance.  An F-35 pilot with the assistance of modern technology actually doing the job of two people(pilot and weapons officer). The F-35 pilot helmet alone is over $200,000 because so much information can be displayed on the visor.  Also, the actual part of maintaining a stealth aircraft requires specialized training, parts and even cleaning materials(you can't just use soap and water).   The Thai Air Force has never had to operate and maintain such an advance aircraft that is very demanding on the pilots and maintenance crew.

 

If the MiG-29's are not available then a squadron of surplus F-16's would be fit the bill.  Lot of F-16's are flying and many are parked in boneyards.  

 

Why is there a photo of an F-14 on the front page?  Even Maverick is supposedly flying an F-18 in the Top Gun sequel.  The F-14 Tomcat is long gone and was the premier fighter for US Navy in the 1980's and early 1990's.  Even the Iranian Air Force had F-14's.  

[Tarteso]

I told you… They are here..

[vandeventer]

4 hours ago, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

 

You never can tell there might be anther Putin out there? And I'm still working on what the prize may be.

[SuwadeeS]

The USA should Not Sale F-35 or Raptor fighterjets to Thailand.

Because of their strong Tide Connection to China and the CCP. It would be the Same as give it right away to Xi Jingping.

USA should be more carefully!!!

[RedRoadRunner]

Another proof of insanity at the top !!!

 Nobody <deleted> is stupid enough to threaten Thailand…… and the ones who would belong here …..  

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, novacova said:

A lot of ignorant replies here. National security is an imperative for all nations. Just take a look at history, it’s the future and it will happen again. I understand there are many pansies that view the world as they want it to be, rather than how it is, unfortunately. We live in a brutal world, though relatively peaceful during the past few decades. If you want to know how brutal things will be at some point in the future, then read up on some historical events of the past. Then you’ll understand how important it is to have as much national security as possible. 

Look at Thailand's history not world history.

Since 1932 (aside from Thailand's one week opposition to Japanese invasion after each it allied itself to Japan) the greatest threat to national security has been military coups, ground-based protests by people opposed to military coups and authoritarian governments. You don't need 5th generation fighters to strafe and bomb protestors.

[Dialemco]

Star wars or stars in your eyes.

Any threats to Thailand more likely to be cyber related so better to build up technology defences.

[papa al]

4 hours ago, smedly said:

what the AF chiefs want is a budget 

 

they haven't a hope in hell acquiring F35's, 

Only $110,000,000.oo each.

Plus maintance of

$40,000.oo/hr.

Burma or Kampachia might attack.

Happened before.

[Srikcir]

Given the crash of the ruble, the Suk-57 5th generation fighter (comparable to the F-22 and F-35) might be a great bargain. Four or five countries in Southeast Asia have already shown their interest.

In re: tass.com/defense

[SymS]

Just buy Russia fighter jets to save money, I've heard prices have come down recently!

[sawadee1947]

Perfect!

And the old ones will go as a donation straight away to Ukraine.

Thanks!

[Henk Langeweg]

4 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Will the planes be with or without engines it will be cheaper but less effective worth checking general  ????

Maybe, but no wings, just some can's of Red Bull. RB gives you wings, everyone (almost) knows that, so some money saved. Cheers.

[Millcx]

5 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

the ego of the air marshals.

 

Ooh, just look at my new shiny toy...

Well the 3 fighter planes they buy can be shared between the 2 pilots if China invades … That should see them off .. Or they can lend to new pal Putin “:0) 55555

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

the ego of the air marshals.

 

Ooh, just look at my new shiny toy...

Got to keep the gold braid brigade happy and employed.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

 

All the Phad Thai and somtam you can eat...

[mikeymike100]

4 hours ago, smedly said:

what the AF chiefs want is a budget 

 

they haven't a hope in hell acquiring F35's, 

Agreed, even if Thailand could afford them,which they can't, the Americans won't sell them Thailand!

[HuaHinHim]

I know it’s a file photo but at least they could have shown a 5th gen fighter. Tomcats are sexy but come on. 

[Shocked farang]

5 hours ago, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

 

The prize would be all the beer bars of Pattaya, full of hookers! 

[Oxx]

5 hours ago, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

 

Let me see.  China invaded Tibet.  China wants to invade Taiwan.  China has effectively colonised Burma and Laos.  Many of the richest/most powerful families in Thailand are Chinese and support Chinese interests over Thai.  Pretty sure that China wants to invade Thailand, even if Thailand isn't number one on the list.

The big question, however, is whether Thailand would choose to defend itself against a Chinese invasion.  And I'd be surprised if Chinese armaments didn't include a "kill switch" to prevent their being used against China.

[KannikaP]

3 hours ago, connda said:

The problem from what I can tell is their decision to purchase the US F-35 which is the most expensive fighter jet on the planet. 
There are other choices that are significantly less expense and still can meet the defensive needs of the country. 

Not many Hurricanes and Spitfires left though.

[spidermike007]

Yes. Far more important than investing in improved education, and a real, capable, and reformed national police force. But, why invest in the proletariat, when such prestigious toys are available? 

 

And of course they have to remain prepared, as there is a constant threat from Burma, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Possibly even China and Russia too! Such a precarious defensive  position Thailand is in. The marauding neighbors are just waiting for the right moment! 

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, 2fishin2 said:

Cope Tiger is going on every years follows Cobra Gold.

What are these.....new Thai beers?

[tandor]

5 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

the ego of the air marshals.

 

Ooh, just look at my new shiny toy...

..hmm...so whom are we defending our borders against?

Couldn't we just make do for another 5 years with our existing squadron...give us a little time to get back on our feet.

[Bangkok Barry]

Questions for Air Vice-Marshal Prapas, which of course won't be answered:

1 - Where does Thailand see a threat to its defenses originating from?

2 - Which country or countries are so likely to launch an invasion that Thailand must bolster its forces?

3 - And why would they invade, when Thailand contains nothing of use to anyone outside of its borders?