Thailand Opts for Gripen Jets Over F-16s in Defence Upgrade

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has chosen Swedish Gripen fighter jets over the American F-16s in a strategic decision supported by Thailand's Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, also the Deputy Prime Minister, announced the 19 billion baht (£437 million) plan to procure four new fighter jets aimed at bolstering national defence.

 

This decision comes after a detailed evaluation of both aircrafts' performances, including a public demonstration during Children’s Day at the RTAF base in Bangkok. Despite a competitive offer including a low-interest loan from the US government, the RTAF has favoured the Gripen, highlighting its shorter runway requirements and advanced features as pivotal advantages.

 

The procurement, a long-awaited move delayed by COVID-19-related budget constraints, signals a significant investment in strengthening Thailand’s aerial capability. The RTAF currently operates both Gripen and F-16 jets and has been tasked with independently selecting the aircraft that best meets its strategic needs.

 

 

Defence Minister Phumtham has committed to approve the purchase, provided it remains within budgetary limits and includes technology transfer agreements. The decision also reflects a conscious choice to avoid borrowing for military acquisitions, as communicated to the US Ambassador.

 

Notably, an upcoming highway test for the Gripen is planned to evaluate its capability to operate without traditional runways, a factor underscoring its operability in diverse conditions. As the procurement process nears its conclusion by year-end, Thailand underscores its focus on a robust and adaptable defence strategy with the integration of the Gripen jets.

 

-- 2025-01-13

 

 

[MikeandDow]

I know its been said before but Why spend 19 billion baht on fighter jets, when Thailand has Thais  dying  of the cold no housing, welfare system collapsing, bad education ect, there is something wrong here !!!!!! (strengthening Thailand’s aerial capability) .pull the other one !!!  but Not my Tax money !!!

[Gottfrid]

Yep, 4 jets is really going to bolster the defence BIG time.

[tomazbodner]

3 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

I know its been said before but Why spend 19 billion baht on fighter jets, when Thailand has Thais  dying  of the cold no housing, welfare system collapsing, bad education ect, there is something wrong here !!!!!! (strengthening Thailand’s aerial capability) .pull the other one !!!  but Not my Tax money !!!

You sure you're talking about Thailand there?

[MikeandDow]

9 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

You sure you're talking about Thailand there?

Well which country do you think  that its people will allow  an unelected goverment to do crazy things like this !!! give you a clue its in asia.

[tomazbodner]

I don't need your clues.

 

But man, you really need to move to Cambodia, or Laos, or Myanmar, or Bangladesh, or Philippines... I'm sure 1MDB was also pure fiction and never happened, so whichever other country you move to, you'll be absolutely safe in knowing you live in a perfectly managed country where government would not spend a dime on anything stupid like defense (or filling their pockets), and invest all they have into their people. There's a paradise all around us, or so I am made believe... by you?