Thailand wanted to order fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets for the Royal Air Force. However, the US denied the request. However, the Pentagon offers two alternatives at once.
What is known
US Ambassador to Thailand Robert F Gordec spoke about the rejection of the request. He recently met with Longkorn Wannarot, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force.
According to the ambassador, the US State Department believes that Thailand does not have a sufficiently developed infrastructure to support the F-35. We are talking about runways, maintenance facilities and the level of security of air bases. At the same time, the United States is ready to consider the request again in 5-10 years.
An official response to the request will be given in July this year. Despite the reluctance to sell fifth-generation fighters, the United States will not leave Thailand without new aircraft. Alternatively, the Asian country will be able to order fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle or F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters upgraded to the Block 70/72 level.
Source: Shephard Media
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