The United States has declined to sell its F-35 stealth fighter jets to Thailand over issues with training and technical requirements, the Southeast Asian country's air force said on Thursday.

Thailand, which was designated a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2003, had last year set aside a 13.8 billion baht ($407.68 million) budget for new jets to replace its aging, mostly U.S.-made F-5 and F-16 fighters.

It identified up to eight Lockheed Martin F-35A jets as its target. Maybe their were too many buys from China!

Only smart thing to do.

How can they expect getting F 35s, having joint exercises with China and inviting Putin.

Thailand has chosen its "best friends" !!

why do they need the latest spec fighters, must be plenty of lower spec fighters out there, who aren't worried about china getting the specs, which is what would happen if Thailand get them. 

all this high tech armed forces equipment subs, fighter planes, ships as well as high speed trains, when pensioners get 600thb a month to live on

At these prices. That's about enough for 2. Just update the F-16s.

On 10/28/2023 at 6:15 AM, Olav Seglem said:

Only smart thing to do.

How can they expect getting F 35s, having joint exercises with China and inviting Putin.

Thailand has chosen its "best friends" !!

Almost certainly what informed the US decision.