The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation plan.

 

AVM Prapas’ statement came in response to comments made by Tanadej Pengsuk, a Move Forward Party MP-elect, who claimed that the air force had not obtained certification from South Korea to ensure the kits’ compatibility with RTAF aircraft. Tanadej alleged that his examination of the procurement documents revealed irregularities, suggesting that the purchase was driven by a desire to spend taxpayers’ money rather than a genuine need.

 

Tanadej also claimed that funds had been redirected from more essential projects to facilitate the acquisition of “these unnecessary kits.” However, AVM Prapas maintained that the purchased kits, which are awaiting pre-delivery inspection, are compatible with the RTAF’s F-16, F-5, and T-50 aircraft. He added that the procurement project aligns with the nation’s budgetary situation and the government’s development policy, reported Bangkok Post.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of Norbert Schmidt (Flickr)

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/royal-thai-air-force-defends-1-2m-south-korean-guidance-kit-purchase

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-14

 

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6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities

Long range is a 6hr+ flight. Maybe they're going to bomb Australia?

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Long range is a 6hr+ flight. Maybe they're going to bomb Australia?

You've got to include the time circling while they try to figure out in which direction they're supposed to go.  ????

 

Edited June 14, 20233 yr by Peabody

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation plan.

Sounds more like offensive , not defence , who would they like to bomb 6 hrs away......

 

regards worgeordie 

Protesters beware 500lb bomb alert ????

40 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

Sounds more like offensive , not defence , who would they like to bomb 6 hrs away......

 

regards worgeordie 

How many hours flying time is Dubai?

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities,

When did Thailand last drop a 500Ib bomb?

Buddhism's romance with militarism.

How charming.

The top generals in the Air Force are very excited about their pay increase. TIT.

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations.

Does it come with the user guide in Thai?

Edited June 15, 20233 yr by Tarteso

Procurement process "flying under the radar"?

I would have thought that the aircraft in the OP photo knows the way - it has been flying one particular route more regularly than a London bus for quite a few years now.

Strange but I've just been reading about how gullible the Thais are.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

When did Thailand last drop a 500Ib bomb?

They haven't got any.  The system is 'just in case'.  It can also find lost golf balls.

26 minutes ago, mikebell said:

They haven't got any.  The system is 'just in case'.  It can also find lost golf balls.

Amazing

2 hours ago, Muhendis said:

Strange but I've just been reading about how gullible the Thais are.

Remember the bomb detection units they got scammed with.55555

17 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Sounds more like offensive , not defence , who would they like to bomb 6 hrs away......

 

regards worgeordie 

Well 6 hours flight time away is 12 hours flying time, and the RTAF does not support in flight refuelling at this time.