US refuses to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Thailand

The US Department of Defense did not officially reject Thailand's request to buy F-35 fighters, but offered to provide F-16 Block 70 and F-15 Eagle fighters instead.

F-35 fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

The Bangkok Post newspaper on May 22 quoted a source from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) as saying that the Pentagon's message was conveyed by US Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec when he met with Royal Thai Air Force Commander Alongkorn Wannarot at the RTAF headquarters in Don Mueang two weeks ago.

According to this source, the US side believes that the RTAF may not be ready in terms of infrastructure to receive F-35 fighters, especially in terms of security at air bases, airports, maintenance work, and personnel issues such as pilots and other staff.

The Pentagon will reconsider Thailand’s request for F-35 fighter jets when the RTAF is ready, possibly in the next 5-10 years, the source said. Instead, the US side has offered to sell F-16 Block 70 and F-15 Eagle fighters to Thailand. The US is expected to give a formal response to the RTAF’s request for F-35s in July.

The F35 is a multi-role fighter with stealth technology produced by the American company Lockheed Martin. The F35 aircraft technology is considered a top military secret of this country.

More than just a fighter, the F35 is capable of collecting, analyzing, sharing data and is a power multiplier that enhances all capabilities of close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air combat.

Phuong Dang

(According to Bangkok Post)

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/vu-khi/my-tu-choi-ban-tiem-kich-tang-hinh-f-35-cho-thai-lan/248858.htm