Thai Air Force awaits US Congress approval to buy advanced F35 fighter jets

[herfiehandbag]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

The F35 is a multi-role fighter with stealth technology. More than a fighter jet, it has the ability to collect, analyse and share data and is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace.

That ability  is only effective if you have the equipment's, training and command, communication and control skills to make use of such data. 

[steven100]

The F-35A, F-35B and F-35C fighter jets is one of the most technologically advanced 5th generation fighter jets ever produced. 

 

It will be the ultimate weapon for crowd control during any unruly protests.

Flyovers coupled with water cannons, tanks and submarine pictures being shown on the big screen will be enough to scare the be-jesus out of the hardest protestor.

 

 

[IAMHERE]

18 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

the pilots have to the training course in Fort Smith Arkansas.

Will they be there long enough to get a Green Card for themselves and family members? Will they be able to launder money from overseas? May be somebody's well thought out plan to settle in America.

[NanLaew]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

More than a fighter jet, it has the ability to collect, analyse and share data and is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace.

If the 'force multiplier' doesn't include the submarines, then I wouldn't bother. They can stick with LINE and WhatsApp for their communications "in the battlespace."

[Gknrd]

2 hours ago, ozimoron said:

They don't need to, China has it's own stealth fighters. The sensitivity is not the airframe but the software as was pointed out by another poster.

Disagree , they would want to see the build and weeknesses IMO.  

[mran66]

21 hours ago, easton said:

They really only need one since it is going straight to China.

You forgot the other export market Russia. 

[SpaceKadet]

So, $160 million for 2 aircraft. No weapons, RTAF already said that. They will fly naked. At least 6 months of training for pilots and maintenance crews. And then, these aircraft are not meant to be used standalone. You need a weapons infrastructure, even if you don't have any, and maintenance infrastructure, and logistics infrastructure, (for 2 aircraft?). There is a minimum you'll need, even if it's one aircraft. The mind just boggles at the millions of dollars needed...

 

Thailand would be much better off with Swedish JAS 39 Gripen. And Gripen can take off from A4 highway, and be maintained by conscripts. 10 minutes turn around time to refuel, and resupply...... At less than half the price. Beat that F35!!!

 

But, this is a political decision, and has nothing to do with actual need or requirement.