The US refused to sell F-35 fighters to Thailand, while proposing to provide F-15 and F-16 models to the country, according to anonymous sources.
An anonymous source at the Thai Ministry of Defense said today that the message of refusal was delivered by US Ambassador Robert Godec to the commander of the Thai air force during a visit to the force's headquarters two weeks ago.
"The US State Department believes that the Thai Air Force does not have enough infrastructure to operate the F-35 fighter jet, especially in terms of airports, factories, security, pilot and technician training. It will take a lot of time and a huge budget for this process," the source said.
US F-35A fighter jets perform in Wisconsin in April. Photo: USAF
However, Washington has not completely rejected Bangkok’s request to buy F-35 stealth fighters and may reassess the conditions in the next 5-10 years. The US Department of Defense has also proposed selling F-16 Block 70 light fighters and F-15 heavy fighters to Thailand.
US officials are expected to give Thailand a formal response in July. If the proposal is rejected, the Thai air force will have to return $10.73 million in deposits previously allocated by Congress .
The Thai Ministry of Defense is also considering buying another squadron of Gripen fighters from Sweden. Bangkok had ordered 12 of the aircraft and stationed them in the city of Surat Thani, but lost one aircraft in an accident.
Vu Anh (According to Bangkok Post )
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