Thai Air Force faces a choice between F-16 and Gripen to replace aging fleet

[webfact]

The Royal Thai Air Force plans to acquire 12 new fighter jets — either the US F-16 or the Swedish Gripen — to replace an aging fleet in the coming years after failing last year to procure its No. 1 choice: the most advanced US F-35.

 

The acquisition plan would be released when the Air Force issues a White Paper on its long-term air defense strategy at the end of February, according to Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, the commander-in-chief of the Air Force.

 

The Air Force would consider aircraft efficiency and capacity, the appropriateness and budget-worthiness of the warplane for hardware procurement, he said, adding that the public would be given a proper explanation.

 

The budget outlay for the acquisition plan has not been disclosed yet, but it was expected that the Air Force would initially request at least 19 billion baht from the government for the first batch of fighter jets.

 

Due to budget constraints and the economic downturn, the Air Force is dividing its procurement plan into three phases over 12 years, acquiring four jets in each phase. The order for the first batch would be placed in fiscal year 2025 and the jets could be delivered by 2028. The order for another four planes in the second phase would be placed in fiscal 2029. The final batch of four fighter jets to complete its fleet are expected by 2037, according to a senior Air Force official, who spoke anonymously.

 

File photo : Gripen//skiesmag.com

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-21

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[flyingtlger]

37 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Royal Thai Air Force plans to acquire 12 new fighter jets — either the US F-16 or the Swedish Gripen

US F-16 hands down! 

[Henryford]

Will they have engines?

[Enoon]

RTAF currently operates 36 F-16s.

https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2024-world-air-forces-directory/156008.article

 

"The Royal Thai Air Force plans to acquire 12 new fighter jets — either the US F-16 or the Swedish Gripen — to replace an aging fleet"

 

??

 

 

[mfd101]

I think 6 of each would look lovely parked outside RTAF HQ or the nearest airbase.

[SpaceKadet]

Hyper modern design (JAS39) vs 48 year old airframe (F-16, did somebody say "replace an aging fleet?)

The choice should be simple. But then, there is, of course, the size of the brown envelope to take into consideration.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

US F-16 hands down! 

F-16 D or the Griphen, both excellent choices.

[John Drake]

Why give Thailand either jet? Their capabilities and tactical limitations and strengths will be passed directly to China.

 

 

 http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/TopStories/16236106.html#:~:text=News Top Stories-,China-Thailand joint air exercise Falcon Strike,2023 kicks off in Thailand&text=BEIJING%2C July 10 -- The,Thailand on July 9%2C 2023.

[Ombra]

By the time the last Gripen is delivered, won't it be a pretty old aircraft? 50+ years?

[VocalNeal]

Gripen is technically younger than the F-16 the Gripen E is from 2016. Yes the original airframe was from about 1988 whereas the F-16 is from 1978.

[ujayujay]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The Royal Thai Air Force plans to acquire 12 new fighter jets — either the US F-16 or the Swedish Gripen — to replace an aging fleet in the coming years after failing last year to procure its No. 1 choice: the most advanced US F-35.

 

The acquisition plan would be released when the Air Force issues a White Paper on its long-term air defense strategy at the end of February, according to Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, the commander-in-chief of the Air Force.

 

The Air Force would consider aircraft efficiency and capacity, the appropriateness and budget-worthiness of the warplane for hardware procurement, he said, adding that the public would be given a proper explanation.

 

The budget outlay for the acquisition plan has not been disclosed yet, but it was expected that the Air Force would initially request at least 19 billion baht from the government for the first batch of fighter jets.

 

Due to budget constraints and the economic downturn, the Air Force is dividing its procurement plan into three phases over 12 years, acquiring four jets in each phase. The order for the first batch would be placed in fiscal year 2025 and the jets could be delivered by 2028. The order for another four planes in the second phase would be placed in fiscal 2029. The final batch of four fighter jets to complete its fleet are expected by 2037, according to a senior Air Force official, who spoke anonymously.

 

File photo : Gripen//skiesmag.com

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-21

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

Buy Toys for the big Boys

[trainman34014]

Whoever pays the most in Bungs will get the order !

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, SpaceKadet said:

did somebody say "replace an aging fleet?)

Taiwan has 141 F-16s upgraded to F-16A/B Block 72V with 56 on order. Belgium 116, Denmark 58, Netherlands 102 F-16A/B, Norway 72 and South Korea 180 F-16C/D with 134 being upgraded to F-16V.

Get with the club Thailand.

[NoDisplayName]

Why not order some Chinese J-20 stealth fighters?  They come with TWO engines to avoid that face-losing splash sound you hear when they fall into the ocean.

 

If you prefer single engine, then the JF-17/FC-1 might do at only $25 million each.  Discounts on major orders processed thru Alibaba, and spare parts readily available on the shelf at Harbor Freight.

[Enoon]

6 hours ago, Enoon said:

RTAF currently operates 36 F-16s.

https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2024-world-air-forces-directory/156008.article

 

"The Royal Thai Air Force plans to acquire 12 new fighter jets — either the US F-16 or the Swedish Gripen — to replace an aging fleet"

 

??

 

 

 

The grand total of F-16s in the RTAF is 36 single seaters and 14 dual seat trainers (trainers can be operated as combat aircraft).  Gripens... 7 fighters and 4 trainers (also fightable), 30 single seat F-5s and 3 trainer F-5s

 

And they are to be replaced.......REPLACED.....that's what it says in the article, by 12 aircraft?

 

What's going on?

 

Edited February 21 by Enoon

[brianthainess]

Thailand needs choppers not fighter jets, they can be adapted, for water bombing, air ambulances, and fighting, why do they need fighter jets, unless they are planning to invade a country, as with the sub. useless waste of money. Who would want to invade Thailand?

[herfiehandbag]

22 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

The grand total of F-16s in the RTAF is 36 single seaters and 14 dual seat trainers (trainers can be operated as combat aircraft).  Gripens... 7 fighters and 4 trainers (also fightable), 30 single seat F-5s and 3 trainer F-5s

 

And they are to be replaced.......REPLACED.....that's what it says in the article, by 12 aircraft?

 

What's going on?

 

The F5s are ancient, over 35 years old. The F16s are also, in some cases, elderly, although some were acquired in the early 2000s. I suspect that the new aircraft if they materialise will be used to replace the older F16s.

 

Your list gives a total of 94 aircraft, of course we don't know how many are currently flyable, or could be made flyable!

[The Old Bull]

It's not just the planes, it's the terms and conditions that come with them that will make or break the deal.

[pelagicpete]

For the planes themselves, I would apply the same questions as a car.

which has the least after sales market of spare parts?

(should Toyota and Honda go into this market?)

and which has the best resale value?

[Emdog]

Which airplane is better at crowd control, strafing? That ought to be a factor...

[Elkski]

I expect the US will not be to keen on  letting Thailand buy any new tech with their leadership coming from china and boot licking towards ruzzia. 

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, pelagicpete said:

For the planes themselves, I would apply the same questions as a car.

which has the least after sales market of spare parts?

What does that mean?  Why would any country want to buy anything that has the least availability of spare parts?

[john donson]

why not invest in a flight simulator?

 

when is the last time thailand was attacked by air, sea, ground?

 

only by air pollution

[xtrnuno41]

The F-35 program currently has 857 deficiencies, but only seven are considered "critical." (Capt. Kip Sumner/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON — As the F-35 program inches its way through operational...

 

Looks like a submarine without engine.

If my car has one deficiency, I cant drive it in "my country". 

[Dan747]

Question-Why Buy-What is the THREAT??

[ozimoron]

14 minutes ago, Dan747 said:

Question-Why Buy-What is the THREAT??

 

Maybe you should ask that question of Switzerland, Indonesia, Singapore or New Zealand.

[lordgrinz]

14 minutes ago, Dan747 said:

Question-Why Buy-What is the THREAT??

 

That's like asking why Thai's buy BMW's, Mercs, Lamborghini's, Bentley's, Ferrari's, Porsche's, Submarine's......bragging rights, it's all about the bling here in Thailand. Even General (term used loosely) Prawit ran around with multi-million baht watches on his arm.

[liddelljohn]

Latest Gripens are a far more advanced aircraft than even the latest model F16, only price keeps that old warhorse  competetive or the rebuilds .

[AgMech Cowboy]

Buy Gripen. This from a Texan.