USAF Evaluates Thailand's Readiness to Operate F-35 Aircraft | TurDef

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USAF Evaluates Thailand's Readiness to Operate F-35 Aircraft

30 April 2022 507

USAF Evaluates Thailand's Readiness to Operate F-35 Aircraft

Thailand has said it wants to replace Lockheed Martin's F-16s with F-35 stealth jets. According to local media “National News Bureau of Thailand”, US Air Force (USAF) will dispatch an inspection team to evaluate the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) capability to operate and maintain a new generation of fighter jets.

As part of the inspection, the USAF will look closely to determine whether Thai resources and capabilities can support the purchase of this advanced stealth fighter.

Previously, the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya, told the country's media that Thailand was considering purchasing 8-12 F-35 Lightning IIs and using drones to fly with them.

USAF Evaluates Thailand The Thai government itself has currently approved a budget allocation of 13.8 billion baht (400 million) to buy four F-35s. The jets would most likely need to be purchased using funds from next year’s budget.

If approved, Thailand will be the second ASEAN country to have the F-35 after Singapore first acquired this fifth-generation fighter.