Thailand eyeing 8 US F-35 stealth fighter jets with cheap bids

BANGKOK – Government Air Force Thailand is eyeing the procurement of eight F-35 stealth fighter jets made in the United States of America (USA). However, this Southeast Asian country wants to bid it at a lower price.

Thailand’s military chief, Napadej Dhupatemiya, said the procurement of advanced fighter jets was necessary to strengthen national defense.

Napadej said the Air Force needed a new fleet of fighter jets because the aging F-5s and F-16s had been in service for more than three decades.

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As aircraft age, maintenance costs and safety risks tend to increase.

F-35 jets, manufactured by the US defense giant; Lockheed Martin, which has emerged as the best option now that its costs are lower, has dropped to $82 million each from $142 million when the models first hit the market.

According to Napadej, compared to the new Swedish-made Saab Gripen which costs $85 million per unit, Lockheed Martin’s product is not out of reach.

According to him, it depends on the negotiations. It wants to bid on the F-35 above $70 million per unit.

Napadej said budget planning for the F-35 acquisition project will begin in fiscal year 2023, starting in October, and the Air Force is ready to answer all questions if it chooses to proceed with the purchase.

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