Considering how many nations want to invade Thailand, I think the generals would be sufficiently well served if rather than pining for F-35s or F-22s, they just ordered 15-20 microlights or maybe look for some aged Cessna 152s. The C-152s could work magic.

 

Fighter jets, as most know, are a general's equivalent of Viagra. While that's understandable, they could get the same 'rise' out of, or for, their paramours by first showing them something they already have---C-130s, or Hercules transports---and whisper to their paramour, "Those are only C-130s, but soon we'll be getting C-152s". Perhaps that will impress the ladies enough to get their knickers off.....at least until they see the C-152s.

 

(It's an old pilot's joke.)

On 3/10/2022 at 3:16 PM, MadMac said:

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

You guessed wrong.

 

Whilst I was in the RAF in Germany no's 2, 3 and 4 Sqn were flying (and crashing) Harriers. That didn't count the UK based Sqns.

 

I never saw any Sea Harriers flying, but there were several Sqns of those in the UK and on aircraft carriers.

On 3/10/2022 at 5:04 PM, Stevemercer said:

Every country maintains an airforce and Thailand's government must procure well in advance of aircraft being obsolete or retired.

 

And of course purchase should be aimed at the most advanced fighters of the day. It's like buying a new computer - always go for the most advanced becasue it will become obsolete soon enough. Thailand probably has no choice, but to go American since their aerial support infrastructure is already geared this way. This makes upgrades more cost effective rather than going with a new supplier.

 

Don't forget Thailand thrashed China last time the two went head to head in dog fighting during airforce exercises. Presumably the Thai use American training methods which proved superior particularly in long range combat, target tracking and situational awareness.

Why would China go to war against Thailand when they can buy the country much more cheaply and cleanly?

3 hours ago, billd766 said:

You guessed wrong.

 

Whilst I was in the RAF in Germany no's 2, 3 and 4 Sqn were flying (and crashing) Harriers. That didn't count the UK based Sqns.

 

I never saw any Sea Harriers flying, but there were several Sqns of those in the UK and on aircraft carriers.

We had one land in the school playground in the late 80's for the combined cadet force to have a look at.

On 3/10/2022 at 4:26 AM, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

Having a country shaped like an elephant’s head?

how else would they strafe the Red shirts in the North?

11 hours ago, Walker88 said:

Considering how many nations want to invade Thailand, I think the generals would be sufficiently well served if rather than pining for F-35s or F-22s, they just ordered 15-20 microlights or maybe look for some aged Cessna 152s. The C-152s could work magic

 

(It's an old pilot's joke.)

Microlights? ????

C152s are all worn out

and wouldn't perform in mountains.

A new C172 is 1/2-mil U$

& waiting list.

Otherwise,

brilliant suggestion.!

23 hours ago, Pib said:

Naw, the farangs are kept on the defensive and pinned-down by 90 day address reporting obstacles. 

 

Thailand needs more air, sea, and ground military power to continue its long history of neutrality....to stay non-involved. That is, hear, see or especially speak no evil about other governments/countries regardless of aggression,  human right abuses, etc. 

Thais are definately fence sitters.

I doubt Thailand could defend itself like Ukraine is doing....

On 3/10/2022 at 11:26 AM, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

 

The lucrative pla ra monopoly

On 3/11/2022 at 12:03 PM, billd766 said:

You guessed wrong.

 

Whilst I was in the RAF in Germany no's 2, 3 and 4 Sqn were flying (and crashing) Harriers. That didn't count the UK based Sqns.

 

I never saw any Sea Harriers flying, but there were several Sqns of those in the UK and on aircraft carriers.

I used to build Harriers at Hawker Siddeley Aviation (Airframe) They saw plenty of unofficial  counter insurgency action in the Middle East during a promotional tour. As well as Sea Harriers in  the Falklands who recorded a number of kills of enemy aircraft. Their main strength in dogfights was the ability to Viff (stop sharply in mid air) causing the pursuing aircraft to pass and then shoot them down. On the ground they had the ability to land and take off from anywhere with minimum ground support. The Harrier although it is very old is ideal for countries such as Thailand. The biggest number of repairs we had to do was on the outrigger wheels at the wingtips which were damaged by pilots landing too heavily when cutting power too early.

On 3/10/2022 at 11:01 PM, Dumbfounded said:

I get the feeling Thailand was asked/recommended  to purchase these planes by a 3rd party, one that might consider attacking another country in the near future but would like to study the capabilities of the F35's just in case the US offer air support to that country being attacked

I get the feeling you are absolutely correct! Which is why the USA will never sell them to Thailand.

8 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

I get the feeling you are absolutely correct! Which is why the USA will never sell them to Thailand.

I hope you're right

 

What would Thailand actually use them for?

...... or would they just be captured by another country and end up being used against Thailand?

Curious, any official statements to why the upgraded Gripen is not on the table at all? Considering they know the plane already etc. 

On 3/10/2022 at 4:26 AM, meechai said:

Against what? Nobody wants to invade Thailand.

What would the prize be?

 

Freedom to play bridge and darts?

5 hours ago, aldriglikvid said:

Curious, any official statements to why the upgraded Gripen is not on the table at all? Considering they know the plane already etc. 

Hell of a good plane according to all test fights. It´s mainly made to take out the latest russian fighters and on simulation level it does.
A few years ago the old version of Gripen made a mockery of the chinese fighters in a joint drill the thais had with the chinese.

The swedes have a hard time selling them in spite of high performance/price because buyers often prefer to buy from the superpowers hoping they also get a general superpower protection. That´s an illusion the big powers try to use as a leverage when selling their products.

Maybe the swedes don´t want to sell to Thailand anymore. That´s another problem they have in the market. They are not allowed to sell to dictatorships or countries in or at immediate risk of a military conflict, which limits the range of customers considerably. They now make an exception for Ukraine and deliver advanced robot 57 to them that can take out all heavy armor russia can muster.

 

On 3/10/2022 at 11:12 AM, webfact said:

which is not enough to maintain air defence operations.

And who exactly do they think would want to attack Thailand ?  Like the Japanese did metaphorically, any new attacking force could parachute in bundles of of money and this government would surrender immediately.

On 3/10/2022 at 6:04 PM, sambum said:

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

 

I would be very surprised if they said they weren't, but that were only for show(ing off!)

So they need planes that can fly at nighy

 

ooh wee that is advanced!

16 minutes ago, animatic said:

So they need planes that can fly at nighy

 

ooh wee that is advanced!

how has Bill Nighy insulted the Thai military?

2 hours ago, animatic said:

So they need planes that can fly at nighy

 

ooh wee that is advanced!

"So they need planes that can fly at nighy

ooh wee that is advanced!"

 

Typo?

 

 

ooh wee that is advanced!

On 3/21/2022 at 6:47 PM, sambum said:

"So they need planes that can fly at nighy

ooh wee that is advanced!"

 

Typo?

 

 

ooh wee that is advanced!

Nighy nighy!

Daown gat tar drunky