Thread: Royal Thai Air Force Confirms USA Denied Sale of F-35 Jets to Thailand

The United States has declined to sell its fifth generation F-35 stealth fighter jets to Thailand over issues with training and technical requirements, according to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).


Thailand, which was designated a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2003, had last year set aside a 13.8 billion baht (US$407.68 million) budget for new jets to replace its aging, mostly U.S.-made F-5 and F-16 fighters.

It identified up to eight Lockheed Martin F-35A jets as its target.


However, RTAF Spokesperson ACM Prapas Sornchaidee said in a statement that sale of the fifth-generation fighters was subject to conditions which included time constraints, technical requirements and maintenance compatibility and the United States was therefore unable to offer the sale.


The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft and is considered a sensitive export sold only to the United States’ closest allies, which in the Asia-Pacific includes Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Thailand currently has 12 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets made by Sweden’s Saab in addition to its U.S.-made models, many of which have been in operation for decades.


Thailand’s military has used U.S. technology going back to the Vietnam War era, when it hosted U.S. air force and navy personnel at its bases. Thailand has for many years hosted annual “Cobra Gold” training exercises with the United States.


ACM Prapas said the RTAF would still replace its F-16 jets and the U.S. had offered upgraded F-15 and F-16s models, which could be transferred faster.


The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

Royal Thai Air Force Confirms USA Denied Sale of F-35 Jets to Thailand - The Pattaya News

Originally Posted by misskit

The United States has declined to sell its fifth generation F-35 stealth fighter jets to Thailand over issues with training and technical requirements, according to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

A bit of a slap in the face . . .

Originally Posted by panama hat

A bit of a slap in the face . . .

Sort of, but honestly the F-35 aircraft is state of the art and not so readily available. Thailand is probably better suited to receive the updated F-16. They have the training and infrastructure to support and sustain them. Thailand doesn't need F-35s.

May be something to do with being too friendly with China?

The sale was doomed from the outset not only because it was a vehicle for Thai corruption, the aircraft are quite simply redundant in the Thai theatre given its stealth properties have no application ( its only adversary where it would be required is China and they already suck Commie cock to completion ), but also because of that very Chinese/Thai alignment in which US technology would not be safe, as already alluded to by Prag.

I already speculated on this outcome last year. The F35 is too important to have its tech leaked to the Commie Chink scum, and perforce the pig Putin.

If the Thai wish to upgrade their aircraft, and of course there is no reason for this given the Gripen’s attributes and longevity, then the French Rafale is a fine alternative but really, like the submarines and that silly new transport assault vessel, any purchases are redundant and merely an avenue for oiling the junta’s greasy palms.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

May be something to do with being too friendly with China?

Quite possible as well.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

May be something to do with being too friendly with China?

Indeed. While they make various versions of the F 35 ( US keeps the best Tech for certain) , the base core technology would be immediately released to the Chinese.

Heck, I'm guessing base security isn't really that hard to get around as well.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

May be something to do with being too friendly with China?

bingo