13-8-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai Defence Ministry has granted an extension to the United States and Sweden, allowing them additional time to refine their proposals in the hotly contested bid to supply the Royal Thai Air Force with a new squadron of fighter jets. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced on Tuesday that the deadline has been pushed back to next Tuesday, intensifying the competition between the two Western allies.
The procurement aims to replace the air force’s ageing fleet with state-of-the-art combat aircraft. The United States is pitching an enhanced model of its venerable F-16, while Sweden is offering the latest iteration of its Gripen fighter. Both aircraft types are familiar to Thai pilots, with older versions currently in service.
Minister Klungsang explained that the extension was granted to allow both nations to submit supplementary proposals, with a particular focus on offset policies and economic compensation packages. “I learnt that both the US and Sweden are preparing to submit new offers, which means Thailand would have the opportunity to pick the offer that most benefits us,” he stated, highlighting the potential advantages for Thailand in this high-stakes aerospace deal.
In a related development, Klungsang provided an update on the controversial submarine procurement from China. He expressed optimism about reaching a decision on the submarine’s engine, a contentious issue that has plagued the project. The minister anticipates presenting the matter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for cabinet discussion by mid-September.
The submarine deal hit a snag when Germany refused to sell its diesel-electric engines to China for the Thai vessels, prompting China to propose an alternative, albeit less proven, propulsion system. Klungsang assured that previous concerns have been addressed following consultations with Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State, who opined that the project could proceed.
“Everything would move forward if the Cabinet approved the changes to the contract, including adjustments to the timeline and engine specifications,” Klungsang stated. He emphasised that China would continue constructing the submarines as agreed, with payments to be made according to schedule.
The minister also addressed potential political complications, noting that if Prime Minister Thavisin were to be removed from office by court order, the procurement process would need to start anew, underscoring the project’s sensitivity to Thailand’s often turbulent political landscape.
