2-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Amid escalating tensions surrounding Thailand’s pursuit of new fighter jets, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has denied any knowledge of a reported offer from the United States to sell its F-16 fighter jets at a competitive price, coupled with a long-term interest loan for the procurement.
The alleged offer, which surfaced just four days after a high-profile meeting between Swedish banking giant Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) and Saab AB’s president, Marcus Wallenberg, and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in Bangkok, has sparked intrigue and raised eyebrows within the defense community.
According to sources close to the matter, U.S. Ambassador Robert F. Godec paid a visit to Thailand’s Defense Minister, Sutin Klungsang, on Friday to provide information about the offer from Lockheed Martin, the American defense manufacturer, to sell its F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the RTAF as part of the U.S. military aid program.
Reportedly, prior to meeting with Minister Sutin, Ambassador Godec had presented a letter to Prime Minister Prayut, although the contents of the letter remain undisclosed.
The source further revealed that the information conveyed by Ambassador Godec to Minister Sutin centered around the potential benefits and countertrade arrangements that could accompany the fighter jet offer.
Adding to the intrigue, the U.S. Ambassador extended an invitation to Minister Sutin to undertake an official visit to the United States.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the RTAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Patanakul, who is currently on an official visit to China, has claimed ignorance about any such offer being made or communicated to Prime Minister Prayut.
ACM Panpakdee asserted that the RTAF is still in the process of evaluating potential suppliers before making a final decision on the procurement of new fighter jets, emphasizing the air force’s commitment to securing optimal benefits for the country.
To date, the RTAF has expressed interest in offers from two fighter jet manufacturers: Saab AB from Sweden and Lockheed Martin. Both suppliers have put forth attractive proposals in an effort to secure the coveted contract from the Thai government.
ACM Panpakdee acknowledged that the RTAF is awaiting additional details on potential extra benefits that could accompany the sale offers, though he refrained from elaborating further.
During the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly presented Minister Sutin with an offer for discounted F-16 jets under the U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which would allow Thailand to pay loan installments over nine years. However, further details on this offer remain scarce.
