US government tempts RTA with fleet of F-16 fighter jets

[snoop1130]

 

The US government has made a tantalising offer to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTA) – a loan to purchase an entire fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang revealed this intriguing development, shedding light on the high-stakes negotiations.

 

In a meeting at the Defence Ministry, US Ambassador Robert Frank Godec presented the enticing proposition. Godec conveyed that the US is prepared to finance the RTA’s acquisition of a complete F-16 fleet in one go, rather than through piecemeal purchases. This bold move aims to secure a significant deal, positioning the US as a key player in Thailand’s defence upgrade.

 

However, Sutin remained tight-lipped about the exact amount offered. He warned that while the loan could expedite the acquisition process, it comes with a substantial interest cost. Other nations have also presented similar loan offers, intensifying the competition for Thailand’s favour.

 

 

This American offer follows the RTA’s announcement last month about forming a selection panel to choose between Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets and the US’s F-16s. The decision holds immense strategic importance for Thailand’s air defence capabilities.

 

RTA Commander-in-Chief ACM Phanphakdee Phattanakul confirmed that the air force has allocated 19 billion baht for the purchase of four new fighter jets. The panel is meticulously evaluating both the Gripen and F-16 models to determine the best fit for Thailand’s defence needs.

 

Adding another layer to the proposal, Sutin disclosed that the US has also offered a sophisticated data link system. This system can serve as a command centre for the F-16s, ensuring seamless communication with aircraft from various manufacturers, and enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency, reported The Nation.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-04

 

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[webfact]

US Government Backs Thai Air Force F-16 Purchase with Loan Deal

 

F-16 Block 70 aircraft. Photo: Lockheed Martin. Picture courtesy via Defense Post

 

The United States has extended an offer to financially assist Thailand in procuring a set of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. Thailand's Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang confirmed this development today.

 

In a recent discussion with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, US Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec presented the offer. The US proposed an unspecified loan amount to facilitate the Thai air force's acquisition.

 

Although specifics on lending terms have yet to be disclosed, Suthin indicated this is part of an effort to support the Thai military's capabilities.

 

The air force initially planned to acquire four units in the upcoming fiscal year and eventually expand the fleet to eight. However, with the US loan, an eight-jet purchase might now be achievable in a single phase. 

 

Ambassador Godec also mentioned that Lockheed Martin would provide technology transfers related to maintenance and repairs if the Thai air force opted for the F-16s, thus bolstering long-term operational support.

 

This diplomatic initiative follows another high-profile visit, with Swedish banker and industrialist Marcus Wallenberg advocating for the purchase of Saab JAS 39E Gripen jets.

 

As it stands, the Thai air force is weighing its options between the US-made F-16 Block 70, priced at US$63 million per unit, and the Swedish Gripen, with a price tag of US$85 million per unit.

 

Currently, Thailand's air fleet comprises US-built F-16s deployed at Wing 1 in Korat and Wing 4 in Takhli, and Swedish Gripens stationed at Wing 7 in Surat Thani.

 

These modern additions aim to replace ageing models such as the General Dynamics F-16A/B and F-16 ADF Fighting Falcons, and Northrop F-5TH Super Tigris jets, currently operating at Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani. 

 

Ultimately, the decision reflects Thailand’s broader strategic defence planning and solidifies its ties with international partners in its quest for advanced military capability.

 

-- 2024-07-05

 

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[G_Money]

Do they have enough qualified pilots?

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Do they have enough qualified pilots?

Qualified to do what, warm them up, do a lap of the airport and land again.... combat ready... never.

[Gsxrnz]

Toys for the boys. 

[Andycoops]

They should go with the Swedes.

 

They have already integrated Thai data links into the existing fleet and it meets the criteria set out about technology transfer which the Yanks don't offer.

[Classic Ray]

With the economy as it is, is this the right time to take on more debt?

 

Who is the imaginary enemy that justifies the upgrading of the aircraft?

 

Time to prioritize helping the poor rather than making another murky deal to benefit the few.

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the decision reflects Thailand’s broader strategic defence planning and solidifies its ties with international partners in its quest for advanced military capability.

Well....Thailand must keep in mind its security pact with China (thanks to the NCPO) if it wants to stay in good economic and political graces of China.

"Chinese J-10 vs. US Air Force F-16", Mar 15, 2023

warriormaven.com (paraphrasing):

• The integration of 5th-gen-like F-35 technologies might seem to position the F-16 quite well against  Chinese 4th-gen planes such as the J-10, J-11 and J-16.
• US plans to fly the jet into the 2040s.

The question for the Thai government is whether is can act consistent with its sovereign independence on the US offer. South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan have operating with the F-16 or its manufactured variant. 

Maybe best for Thailand to punt.

Sweden recently offered Thailand its Gripen fighter jets including F-16 similar networked sensor fusion and advanced radars. Thailand acquired the 12 Gripen fighter jets (now 11) from Sweden in 2011.

Maybe Thailand's anticipated 35 million Chinese tourists for 2024 will make the decision as Thailand's GDP falters.

 

[ChrisY1]

Do the RTAF brass get any commissions if they buy them......?

 

[newbee2022]

Is there a "sale" for F16 on the way?

Many should go to Ukraine it was said.🙏

[nobodysfriend]

US wants to make money , Thai influential persons too .

 

Taxpayer pays .

 

But sophisticated equipment won't work if there is no sophisticated personnel to operate it . 

 

Totally useless investment .

[steven100]

Just do it   !

 

and get that submarine with that Lazada Chinese engine installed ....    what could possibly go wrong  !! 

[2baht]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

Do the RTAF brass get any commissions if they buy them......?

 

Is the Pope Catholic???

[drgoon]

Ohhh  they'll be rubbing their hands together. More western technology to show the Chinks

[john donson]

a loan ? did the USA not wanted those written off planes to ukraine to start WW3 ?

[Purdey]

More toys for boys. 

Later, we will discover they can't be flown due to the cost of fuel, the lack of munitions, cost of maintenance and so on. 

They will look pretty for children's day though. 

 

Sad that the government apparently has vast financial resources for this type of purchase but drives the economy into the ground.

[sqwakvfr]

As an American and a vet this sounds like desperation for the US Government to stay relevant in the eye of the Thai Government.  BYD just opened an EV manufacturing plant in Rayong.  This will generate over 10,000 jobs for the Thai people.  The reality is this: Beijing won the battle over influence a long time ago.  The US Government should stay focused on it's new best friend in the region Vietnam. 

 

How can a government that has over 34 trillion (and growing by the minute) in debt finance any deal?  

[Taboo2]

14 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

As an American and a vet this sounds like desperation for the US Government to stay relevant in the eye of the Thai Government.  BYD just opened an EV manufacturing plant in Rayong.  This will generate over 10,000 jobs for the Thai people.  The reality is this: Beijing won the battle over influence a long time ago.  The US Government should stay focused on it's new best friend in the region Vietnam. 

 

How can a government that has over 34 trillion (and growing by the minute) in debt finance any deal?  

We need the Utapo base for when the war starts with China.

[Taboo2]

15 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

As an American and a vet this sounds like desperation for the US Government to stay relevant in the eye of the Thai Government.  BYD just opened an EV manufacturing plant in Rayong.  This will generate over 10,000 jobs for the Thai people.  The reality is this: Beijing won the battle over influence a long time ago.  The US Government should stay focused on it's new best friend in the region Vietnam. 

 

How can a government that has over 34 trillion (and growing by the minute) in debt finance any deal?  

You have no clue about Thai history.  They will play the Great Game as suck whatever they want from China and America.  Last World War was a great example.  Thailand will never let China tell them what to do as long as America is still in charge.  China is on the decline...low birth rate, debt higher that America and they can only copy American technology...and steal other countries ideas....hell, they had 4000  + years to dominate the world and the US did it in less than 200.  

[herfiehandbag]

18 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

As an American and a vet this sounds like desperation for the US Government to stay relevant in the eye of the Thai Government.  BYD just opened an EV manufacturing plant in Rayong.  This will generate over 10,000 jobs for the Thai people.  The reality is this: Beijing won the battle over influence a long time ago.  The US Government should stay focused on it's new best friend in the region Vietnam. 

 

How can a government that has over 34 trillion (and growing by the minute) in debt finance any deal?  

I would rather agree. The US would be well advised to get close to Vietnam. Start with using Cam Ranh Bay naval base, troops and aviation exercising.

[sqwakvfr]

7 minutes ago, Taboo2 said:

You have no clue about Thai history.  They will play the Great Game as suck whatever they want from China and America.  Last World War was a great example.  Thailand will never let China tell them what to do as long as America is still in charge.  China is on the decline...low birth rate, debt higher that America and they can only copy American technology...and steal other countries ideas....hell, they had 4000  + years to dominate the world and the US did it in less than 200.  

" I have no clue".  Ok I will not argue on that point.  But many say the US is also on the decline as well. The only real strength that the US has on the world is military power and military industrial complex. Presently which call is answered first: Chinese Ambassador or the American Ambassador? Robert Godec might have to wait.  Which country is closer? China. Which country has cultural and historical ties? China. China is allegedly "neutral" on the Ukraine and Russian war.  Which side does Thailand support? Thailand is one of the few countries where Aeroflot flies into and out of. In terms of Thailand America is in charge of nothing. Very soon Thailand is set to be the biggest market in the world for Chinese EV's.  Declinig birthrate is critical in countries like S. Korea (50 million and declining) and Japan (100 million and declining) but when country has over 1 billion then it will be a while before the negative effects of a declining birthrate will be impactful. In the recent past China was concerned about overpopulation and hence the one child per family was enforced.  I doubt the Chinese government will bring back the one child policy anytime soon. 

 

Yes, I have no clue and you know so much more than I. I will not disagree with you. 

[sqwakvfr]

15 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

I would rather agree. The US would be well advised to get close to Vietnam. Start with using Cam Ranh Bay naval base, troops and aviation exercising.

I believe the two countries critical for the US in terms building or strengthening alliances are: Vietnam and the PI.  Along with the large military bases in S. Korea and Japan China will be covered on this side of Asia and SE Asia.  I had thought Afghanistan would be a long term commitment because it has a small border with China and the long runway at Bagram Air Base but Joe Biden had other ideas. 

[herfiehandbag]

2 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

I had thought Afghanistan would be a long term commitment because it has a small border with China and the long runway at Bagram Air Base but Joe Biden had other ideas

As, to be accurate, did the Afghans!

[sqwakvfr]

7 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

As, to be accurate, did the Afghans!

? I was deployed twice to A-stan and do not understand your last comment. I spoke to several mid level officers and they believed the US commitment to A-stan was to be like another Germany or S. Korea.  Of course this was during the Bush and Obama administrations and as always things change.  

[BobBKK]

6 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

? I was deployed twice to A-stan and do not understand your last comment. I spoke to several mid level officers and they believed the US commitment to A-stan was to be like another Germany or S. Korea.  Of course this was during the Bush and Obama administrations and as always things change.  

 Well, unfortunately, many died, and nothing changed - Burkas are back!

[sqwakvfr]

17 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 Well, unfortunately, many died, and nothing changed - Burkas are back!

Yes. I knew three who never made it back. All three like myself were in the National Guard. Part time soldiers who made permanent sacrifices. 

[brianthainess]

I would love just one reporter to have the guts to ask the RTA why Thailand needs Fighter Jets, also the RTN why we need subs. Is Thailand planning an invasion ?

[newbee2022]

8 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

As an American and a vet 

How fits a veterinarian into this post????😳

You are referring to those special birds? F16?

But you sound very strange anyway.😵‍💫

 

[GroveHillWanderer]

If Thailand wants more jets, they'd be better off with the Swedish Gripens.

 

They seem to be a better, more capable fighter aircraft, based on various aviation articles about them.

 

The Saab Gripen is able to Dogfight and Win Against (Almost) Any Dissimilar Aircraft

 

Quote

during a combat exercise with the Royal Norwegain Air Force, 3 Swedish Gripens went up against 5 RNAF F-16’s. The Result was 5-0, 5-0, 5-1 after having flown 3 rounds.

 

SAAB's Gripen C/D shines in Alaska Red Flag exercise

 

Quote

One Gripen pilot knocked down five F-16 Block 50+ during close air combat in Red Flag Alaska. And the Gripen never lost any aerial encounter or failed their mission objectives. It was the only fighter that performed all planned starts, while others were sitting on the ground waiting for the weather to clear up.

 

[sqwakvfr]

10 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

How fits a veterinarian into this post????😳

You are referring to those special birds? F16?

But you sound very strange anyway.😵‍💫

 

I would disagree with you. I have ben called worst.