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.

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.