Thailand to buy two units of Lightning II of 1 F-35 is the same as 3 F-16
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is determined to acquire two F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the United States.
The Thai government's proposed purchase has been made and is currently awaiting a response from the US Congress.
Commander of the RTAF ACM Alongkorn Vannarot admitted that he was not sure that the US Congress would approve the acquisition of the F-35 by Thailand.
While Thailand is a close US ally, the F-35 is still considered a highly classified weapon and caution is needed for Washington to sell it.
Vannarot stated that the RTAF had no other plans if the proposal to buy 2 F-35s was rejected by the US Congress, as reported by Thai PBS World.
Thailand hopes to get a response from the US Congress between January and July next year.
Vannarot stressed, the value of one F-35 fighter is equivalent to three F-16 fighters.
That is why the F-35 stealth fighter deserves to be purchased as a replacement, even in smaller quantities, he said
The F-35 is a multi-role fighter with stealth technology.
More than just a fighter jet, it has the ability to collect, analyze and share data.
The F-35 is a force multiplier that can enhance all combat assets on the battlefield.