The US Refuses to Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets to Thailand, Here's the Reason!

The US Refuses to Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets to Thailand, Here's the Reason!
The US Refuses to Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets to Thailand, Here's the Reason!

Washington - The United States (US) has rejected Thailand's request for the procurement of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. The reason is that the Southeast Asian country is not ready in terms of infrastructure facilities to accommodate the fifth generation fighter jet.

The United States' rejection was revealed by the Bangkok Post citing a source from the Royal Thai Air Force. According to a source familiar with the matter, US Ambassador Robert F Gordec conveyed a Pentagon message to Royal Thai Air Force Chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot during a recent visit to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) headquarters in Don Mueang.

The US Ambassador's visit, coupled with the unofficial rejection of Thailand's offer of F-35 fighter jets, demonstrates the carefully orchestrated diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

During his meeting with Alongkorn Wannarot, Ambassador Gordec reportedly stated that the US Department of State believes that the Thai RTAF may not be sufficiently prepared in terms of infrastructure facilities to accommodate the F-35 fighter jets.

In particular, concerns were raised regarding airbase security, airfield capability, maintenance infrastructure, and the availability of trained pilots and other essential personnel. Ambassador Gordec stressed that achieving F-35 integration readiness would require substantial time and significant financial investment.

Nevertheless, the Bangkok Post report said the United States did not completely reject Thailand's request to buy F-35 fighter jets. Instead, the US has expressed willingness to reconsider the request once the Royal Thai Air Force reaches a certain level of readiness, possibly within the next five to ten years.

Meanwhile, the US has made alternative proposals, offering to sell F-16 Block 70 and F-15 Eagle fighters to Thailand. The United States is expected to provide a formal response to the Royal Thai Air Force's request to acquire the F-35 fighter jets in July.

If the request is officially rejected, the US will be asked to return the 369.1 million baht (about USD 10.5 million) advance that was approved by Thailand's House of Representatives (DPR). Thailand currently operates a fleet of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets manufactured by Saab of Sweden.

In addition, the Thai RTAF also maintains several American-made aircraft, including F-16 and F-5 jets, some of which have been in service since the late 1980s. Given the aging nature of some of its F-16 fleet, Thailand intends to replace some of the older aircraft. This move is in line with Thailand's RTAF aim to modernize its air capabilities and ensure a technologically advanced and effective defense force.

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