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

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

A 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 a proposal from the American arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin regarding the sale of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force as part of the US military aid program.

Local media subsequently 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, although the contents of the letter were not disclosed.

However, the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Panpakdee Patanakul, who is currently on an official visit to China, asserted that he was unaware of any such offer being made or sent to Prime Minister Srettha.

Mr. Panpakdee emphasized that the RTAF is still considering its options before deciding which supplier to purchase new fighter jets from, noting that the air force is very interested in ensuring the best interests of the country.

Currently, the RTAF is interested in offers from two fighter jet 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