Thailand expresses interest in the F-35
Thailand has expressed interest in the high-tech but also expensive F-35A fighter. (US DoD)
Thailand wants to maintain its status as a leading air force in Southeast Asia, but to do that it needs new fighters.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is looking for a fighter to replace its F-16 fleet as it nears the end of its lifespan and is gradually decommissioned. The new RTAF commander has shown interest in the F-35.
ACM Napadej Thupatemi, who took up his post on 1 October, commented that the RTAF should think about having a better aircraft than those it presently has. If the country can maintain an adequate defence budget, he believes a stealthy fighter like the F-35A conforms to the needs of the RTAF.
Thai F-16 ADF jets have been in service since 2002, and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane]()
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
