Thailand denies news that the US offered to sell F16 fighters at a bargain price

The Royal Thai Air Force has denied reports that the US is offering to sell F-16 fighter jets to the country at competitive prices with a long-term loan.

US F-16 fighter jet. (Source: The National Interest)

On June 30, Thai media reported that US Ambassador to Thailand Robert F Godec met with Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang on June 28 to convey an offer from US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin to sell F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Thai Air Force as part of the US military aid program.

Local media later quoted an anonymous source as saying that the US Ambassador had delivered a letter to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding the fighter jet purchase deal, although the content of the letter was not disclosed.

However, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Commander Panpakdee Patanakul, who is on an official visit to China, insisted he was not aware of any such offer being made or sent to Prime Minister Srettha.

Mr Panpakdee stressed that the RTAF is still considering before deciding which supplier to buy the new fighter jets from, noting that the air force is very concerned about ensuring optimal benefits for the country.

Currently, RTAF is interested in proposals from two fighter aircraft manufacturers, Saab AB (Sweden) and Lockheed Martin (USA).

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thai-lan-bac-tin-duoc-my-chao-ban-tiem-kich-f16-voi-gia-hoi-276971.html