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?

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

Good choice

[Srikcir]

The Gripen is more than adequate for homeland defense, albeit a fleet of four means only 2-3 on full duty with one in reserve.

Thailand's Gripens will join Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Sweden and Brazil operating Gripens. Fourteen Gripens are in the queue for fighter aircraft being donated to Ukraine, ie., behind F-14's.

 

 

[Classic Ray]

Defence against whom?

 

Four jets plus whatever they already have is not going to stop any determined invader, who would target their bases as a first move anyway.

 

The only possible threat is China who have chosen economic invasion rather than military, working out well.

 

i think we all know the real reason for these military purchases.

[bendejo]

No need of a crystal ball to see changes ahead in the US, which could affect delivery, parts, etc.  Oh yes, and those shifting alliances possibilities.

 

[sammieuk1]

Independently selecting the aircraft that best meets its strategic needs.

 

Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ... selection made🤔

[newbee2022]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

 

I don't think it's good decision to buy a Gripen if you're looking for maintenance and repair. The better choice, if not the F-16, would have been the Eurofighter, which is the most common jet in Europe.

However, decisions in Thailand are not made by technical figures but valued hand shakes

[scottiejohn]

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

The Gripen is more than adequate for homeland defense, albeit a fleet of four means only 2-3 on full duty with one in reserve.

They already have 11 Gripen aircraft in their inventory so this takes them to 15 in total!

[FritsSikkink]

15 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 !!!!!! 

Look at how many the USA spends on weapons and how the people on Skid Row LA live.

[scottiejohn]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

I don't think it's good decision to buy a Gripen if you're looking for maintenance and repair. The better choice, if not the F-16, would have been the Eurofighter, which is the most common jet in Europe.

Since when has Thailand been in Europe? I thought it was in Asia!

 

Remember Thailand already has 11 Gripen and therefore an already established spares supply chain is in place!

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, scottiejohn said:

Since when has Thailand been in Europe? I thought it was in Asia!

Is there anybody who said that? 🤔

[newbee2022]

3 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Remember Thailand already has 11 Gripen and therefore an already established spares supply chainis in place!

No, that's not the reason for this decision.!!

Thailand wanted actually to have the F-16. However, US withheld military aid because of the coups.🙏

[J Branche]

My understanding from YouTube vid.  Government and countries sell Military Equipment.  The power, influence, repoire, etc weigh heavily on decision.

 

The vid was talking about for this country, the environment, landscape, X plane would have been a better choice but they chose the (US, UK, etc)

I guess they manage the deficiencies for their needs and requirements.

 

So my understanding no one size fits all for Military equipment and all countries in the world.

[scottiejohn]

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

No, that's not the reason for this decision.!!

Thailand wanted actually to have the F-16. However, US withheld military aid because of the coups.🙏

And your source for that statement please!

[scottiejohn]

15 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Is there anybody who said that? 🤔

You implied it!  😀

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, scottiejohn said:

And your source for that statement please!

Joe Biden

[newbee2022]

Just now, scottiejohn said:

You implied it!  😀

Yeah, that's your problem. Reading and understanding. 

[scottiejohn]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Joe Biden

Link please!

[scottiejohn]

58 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I don't think it's good decision to buy a Gripen if you're looking for maintenance and repair. The better choice, if not the F-16, would have been the Eurofighter, which is the most common jet in Europe.

 

 

2 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Yeah, that's your problem. Reading and understanding. 

Read your own post where you said that Thailand should buy the Eurofighter, which is the most common jet in Europe.   Unless Thailand has suddenly become part of Europe why should that be an advantage?

[Yagoda]

12 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

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

It depends on who the adversary is and what equipment they are using. I thought that an evident military expert like you would know that

[Yagoda]

25 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Look at how many the USA spends on weapons and how the people on Skid Row LA live.

Estimates are half or more of those folks are there by lifestyle choice, so your comparison is quite meritless, especially when you consider you could probably buy a few more Boomers for the amount wasted on junkies.

[newbee2022]

10 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Link please!

I'm not sure you can read and....understand:

https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/us-thai-military-alliance-crossroads

[newbee2022]

7 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

 

Read your own post where you said that Thailand should buy the Eurofighter, which is the most common jet in Europe.   Unless Thailand has suddenly become part of Europe why should that be an advantage?

Something wrong with you?

Thailand becoming part of Europe???

What mushrooms your taking???😀🤣🤣

[GammaGlobulin]

How much does it cost to train a pilot up to the level typical for...say.....Top Gun?

 

 

Does Thailand have the money to keep all pilots trained to the highest standard, on a continuing basis?

 

 

 

 

 

[lordgrinz]

12 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

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

 

How many do they need to control their citizens? Can they more effectively strafe crowds of democratic citizens better with these?