US Advocates for F-16 Purchase by Thailand Amid Geopolitical Competition
Thailand is deciding between Sweden's Gripen E/F and the US's F-16 Block 70 for its Royal Thai Air Force, with a decision expected in 2025. The US Ambassador has urged Thailand to select the F-16s, citing their capabilities and the strategic importance in Southeast Asia, where China is also gaining influence. Economic constraints and the need for advanced tactical data systems add complexity to Thailand's decision.
As Thailand prepares to retire its ageing fleet of US-made F-16 fighter jets, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is in the final stages of selecting new jets for the 2025 fiscal year.
The contenders are Sweden's Gripen E/F from SAAB and the US's F-16 Block 70 from Lockheed Martin.
The US Ambassador, Robert F. Godec, has urged PM Srettha Thavisin to choose the F-16s, highlighting their capabilities.
The decision carries geopolitical weight, as the US and China vie for influence in Southeast Asia.
Thailand's imminent receipt of a Chinese submarine by 2027 further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
The RTAF aims to balance quality and cost due to budgetary constraints.
A significant factor in the decision is the Tactical Data Link system, Link-16, which integrates military hardware across forces, but these systems require US permissions.
The US has offered loans and technology transfer for maintenance.
While the RTAF has decision-making authority, political and economic considerations, including potential US benefits, might influence the choice.
The contenders are Sweden's Gripen E/F from SAAB and the US's F-16 Block 70 from Lockheed Martin.
The US Ambassador, Robert F. Godec, has urged PM Srettha Thavisin to choose the F-16s, highlighting their capabilities.
The decision carries geopolitical weight, as the US and China vie for influence in Southeast Asia.
Thailand's imminent receipt of a Chinese submarine by 2027 further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
The RTAF aims to balance quality and cost due to budgetary constraints.
A significant factor in the decision is the Tactical Data Link system, Link-16, which integrates military hardware across forces, but these systems require US permissions.
The US has offered loans and technology transfer for maintenance.
While the RTAF has decision-making authority, political and economic considerations, including potential US benefits, might influence the choice.
