Thailand's Decision: F-35 Lightning or JAS 39 Gripen?
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- Decoding Thailand's F-35 Dilemma and Southeast Asia's Aviation Landscape: Thailand's request for F-35 Lightnings has been unofficially denied - instead the US counter offered with a package of F-15 EX (Eagle II) and F-16 Block 70 Vipers. Saab may also be in talks to offer the JAS 39E Gripen.
⏱ Key Timestamps (all timestamps listed below)
00:00 Intro
00:29 5th Generation Fighters
01:11 Thailand's Request
02:12 Counteroffer
05:01 Saab's Gripen
06:12 China Connection
07:01 F-35 Lightning
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I still suspect once Sweden joins NATO that the Gripen will suddenly look very attractive around the world. Since it will be seen as Western NATO fighter in same vein as extremely popular F-5 Freedom Fighter.
Very strong point. There will always be a market for a low-cost air defense option.
What does nato has to with countries buying gripens. F35 is better and if Yu can’t afford it then buy a griped or something
@@LSmoney215 Basically Platform, being seem as NATO Friendly is a great option economically & business wise.
@@LSmoney215what is better depends on the use NOT the tool itself.
Maybe Ph does not have use of stealth they aren't planning to use it as a strike fighter. Maybe they rather have twice plus the amount of flight hours per dollar? Makes for more surveillance of their borders. The ones making the decisions probably have way more info than the rest of us.
PS Economy as you state is one part of that but it is not just economy would US even sell F35 to Philippines?
PPS Or maybe this is just a way to get a better price on the F16s...
@@OlleSundblad air force don't use pure air superiority except most rich countries. Stealth is how you gain air superiority
The Gripen would be an excellent buy for a smaller power like Thailand. It's small with a much reduced payload but it's versatile and can do pretty much everyone you would want while being cheap and easy to operate. A big part of air power is pilot training and with the Gripen, you can get a lot more training flights in for the same money.
You seem misunderstood Gripen E is not cheap it's not C/D version. Even more expensive than F-16V.
@@pichupuche2474 It is cheap. The cost to buy the plane is often trivial compared to the costs to operate it.
@@Elthenar The cost of operation is cheap YEP but not the buying cost.
@@pichupuche2474 That sounds familiar, seeing as it's exactly what I said.
That makes it cheap. Thanks for playing
Hey, Thai person here, born and raised. I'll share my two cents.
I totally agree with US decision of rejecting the sell of F35s. Although it's a great plaform, but my military has known to be abit of a dick for the past decade, sharing US stuff to China, but more importantly, I firmly believe that F35s are too expensive and Thailand doesnt really need that kind of stealth/offesive capabilities in this near future.
F15 EX is great but it's a new platform to the RTAF, and also fairly expensive to buy and run.
F16 Block 70 is awesome and great choice since our pilots still rock the old F16 A/Bs, but I think Gripen is still the best bang for buck atm. Problem is Sweden is not really showing the world that they can or even willing to ramp up their production for any potential costumers (I'm hypothetically talking about Ukraine btw), to my knowledge, only Brazil and Thailand are custumers of SAAB, it's not a popular platform compared to the F16. Therefore the chances of TH getting the new E varients in the near future have now remained low. I can only guess the F16 will take the cake here, If the new elected government decides to go.
Speaking of government, I do understand that Thai politics is in dicey position right now, especially after our recent election. I'm really rooting for the newly elected gov officially take power so they a undo shitty pro China military policies that does not favor us to any degree. Since Thailand is somewhat in the middle of two giants, I prefer Thailand to play nice by buying Girpen from the Swedes instead of risking ruining diplomatic relations from both sides.
Overall. I still think the Gripen to be a better option financially, military and geopolitically. Sure TH is getting in more beds with China (I dont like it too), so getting a super advanced 4th Gen that is not American makes more sense. Ourpilots are familiar with the Gripen platform already. Also, RTAF is commonly know to favor NATO aircraft compared to other branches of the Thai military.
Combined with a more defensive doctrine, and not so imediate threat from our neighbors. Gripen fits the bill imho.
Just wish we have something bigger, not as big as F-15 or SU-30 but around F-18 atleast twin engine multirole platform. just use this oppotunity to reset the whole small jet defensive focus doctrine and move to some meduim size do it all fighter. but anyway anything is ok for if its not from china 5555555
👏🏻 great comment!
_"Sure TH is getting in more beds with China (I dont like it too), so getting a super advanced 4th Gen that is not American makes more sense."_
I agree the Gripen is probably the best choice, but it relies on a lot of US technology, especially weapons, so if the TAF chooses it then they'll still be dependent on the USA, albeit indirectly, which is why countries like India have chosen to develop their own indigenous LWFA instead.
@@GonzoTehGreat agreed, but hey, I get US tech stuff for at a cheaper price, sounds a deal for me.
@@AuldeyST Until they decide they don't like how you're using their weapons and withhold munitions....
I say, just be happy with the Gripen E. A few years ago, I read somewhere Thai Gripens SMOKED Chinese Flankers in mock BVR engagements while Chinese Flankers outmaneuvered Thai Gripens in close-in fights. Great!!!! Get some Echos with a whole lotta Metors.
Thailand won't get meteors for the same reason they won't get F-35s. It's currently the best bvr missile in production and europe wouldn't be so keen to let that tech potentially get in the hands of China
Those Thai Gripens were just against Chinese Su-27s/J-11s, not the the more capable J-16e.
@@paulsteaven Doesn't mean the J16 will fare any better. It was said that the pilots from PLAAF have poor situational awareness in a BVR fight. Granted the J16s operate better avionics and use AESA radar as well, it doesn't guarantee that the Chinese will smoke Gripens out of the sky.
@@paulsteaven true, but the Gripen version was also not the latest, its was the older C/D version. From what ive understood about reporting about this it was less down to the planes than to the tactics used.
@@erikreuterskiold5996 agree as RTAF used its most capable fighters (Gripen) while PLAAF is using their least capable fighter (Su-27/J-11) not counting their Mig-21 copies.
From the DACT report, Chinese Su-27s/J-11s defeated the Thai Gripens in WVR while the latter defeated the former in BVR which is not surprising.
The Gripen E/F would likely be the best option. Cheaper to buy and run, plus arguably the best performance. Best bang for buck for sure!
The F-15EX is a an overkill for most countries. Why do you need a fighter that can carry that many missiles, when it is unlikely to encounter any more than a half dozen aircraft in an engagement?!
F-15 EX was built to work with the F-35s where the F-35 with it's data fusion and sensing ability will tell F-15s where to launch strikes, making F-15 fight beyond visual range. It is a short term solution for lack of F-22 in mass numbers, since F-22 block 40 doesn't rely on anyone transmitting data to it, it can do data processing by itself.
Yeah I see the Gripen being pushed as the cheapest Western NATO (after Sweden joins NATO) fighter available, again in the vein of the F-5.
For countries with a large airspace, especially including over water, the Eagle 2 has more range, but for most countries you're correct that the Gripen is probably the best choice.
The RTAF plan to get F-35s never seemed viable to me. Not only has the government gotten really close to China for the past decade and a half, but the news I hear out of their defense procurement scene has involved limited budget allocations hampering some of their big ticket acquisition projects (Ex. attack helicopters, frigates, etc.)
Our government actually chose to buy F-35 but the US just doesn’t want to sell those to us, so we’re now going for the Gripens. Will probably order at least 3 Aircrafts to make up a full 14 aircrafts squadron
Thailand has shared US defence technology with China in the past. Plus I don't think Thailand can pay for either of these aircraft.
Well considering the USA has already refused the sale of F35 to Thailand yet offered block70 F16 and F15 ,,what is the point to this video? And already operate the jas 39 gripen ??
Thailand has shared US defence technology with China in the past. Thailand had warships built in Shanghai, on which the Chinese shipbuilder installed the US Mk 41 vertical launch system and other US weapon systems (ie HTMS Taksin (FFG-422).
I suspect Thailand still does this.
the clintons do as well so who cares...the bankers are always selling to all sides...only fools cant see it as the farce it is.
I was wondering how China managed to get the MK 41 VLS system. They also have a Aegis like radar system installed on most ships which they call the Aegis as well I believe. Yeah, Thailand should not be trusted with such advanced equipment if any of this is true.
Nothing you just said makes any sense. Stop spreading baseless (&frankly racist atp) propaganda.
@@rickjames18 Chinese "corporations" bought many fashion houses in Milan Italy. And brought in many Chinese "employees".
Btw this is also the center of many Italian high tech defence industries. I discovered this when Milan reported as an early source of Covid cluster infection in Europe.
@@slmyatt Doesn't surprise me, we can see that happening all over the west. The CCP has used many Chinese companies to purchase US companies in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. Then they end up poaching employees or stealing data from marked companies in the area.
Look at (out) everybody, and get your tickets for the show. Don't be late.
I arrive at 4 PM, still too early and too much hour to come. Wanna hear in what aspect this channel will talk about this topic. I'm Thai.
Looks again at schedule, it's tomorrow not today. Oh Gosh!
It will be 9AM Central US Time - I look forward to your comments!
Thanks for another great update vid! i think it's wise to not sell F35s to a Country so connected to China. The west is not naive about what's going on in a certain part of the world. Could you make a video on what's been happening with the Su57 Felon and it's capabilities (can't wait to see the F117 when it's ready)?
Will do and thanks for all of your comments!
F35 to expensive for Thailand the Grippon costs 5k a flight hour
@@bennettdavis5364 Thailand told US to go away during 2010s so US is skeptical about giving anything to Thailand. F-16 V is really only thing US can give Thailand. F-18 Super Hornet is no because it's present in every US Carrier, F-15 EX is no because it will be present in Japan and Philippines, F-35 is also no because too close to China.
gripen only.... because the thai's are known to cooperate with the plaaf so a big no for advance western fighters
Yep Independent country like Thailand don't need to be American dog like Philippines.
I really enjoyed that. 🇨🇦 Veteran
Thank you for your service!
@@PilotPhotog LOL
@@saff3356 something funny?
2:28 F-15EX is 4.5/4+ gen ;)
So is the Gripen...
Fair points and I've actually covered that in other videos regarding the 4+ gen updates to the three airframes. Thanks for commenting!
@@PilotPhotog Np! Thanks for your response and ofcourse your content😁✌
@@PilotPhotog I noticed you tagged the Chrome F-35 for information however I found your Vids-- "Faster Lightnings"/holograms and F-35's new APG 85 Radar to be the best and most informative! I personally think itd be cool af if you made another vid that covers all three said mentioned vids! F-35 Super Lightning II!🙏👍
@@PilotPhotog lol one last thing😅
Please make a Vid about how The F-117 is still flying (many/variety of instances can be used) despite its "retirement"! Please include The Chrome F-117 aspect as well!
I wouldn’t sell the RTAF a paper plane right now. Seeing how much they are integrating their military with China.
I envy Thailand 'cause they are buying a front line fighters for there air force. My country could only afford the cheapest and most unrealiable fighter they could buy. Love from the Philippines.
Ayo, the Philippine Air For is in the process of getting Gripens, just the C/D MS20 variant.
We have enough budget but the most obstacles in buying the new arms are those populism politicians.
Korean family of F-50 seems good enough that lots of AF chose for short range multiroles.
I think working with NATO that they should get the griphens.and partner with the f22s And F35s and soon to be ngads.Already being tested and almost ready to go in service.And it wouldn't hurt to have a couple squadrons of f15s latest version ex.
I don't think they should not get them,not even the F-15 or F-16 because knowing them they will give them to China I say"HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOO😅
Talking shit and nonsense. Do you have any report about Thailand giving F-16 or American planes to China? Or you just talking shit?
Came on the news last week, the royal Thai air force is seriously considering to buy Gripen jet fighter over f16 block 70.
Gripen is probably the best option it cheap + thailand already hae experience in operate this machine and it also a super capable fighter. it may not 5th gen but Gripen is best among non-stealth aircraft
I agree, absolutely do not let Tyler and get their hands on the F 35.
But wasn't the F15 EX made specifically for the US air force?
It's a modernization meant to fill the gap left by aging F15Cs while NGAD is in the works, export otherwise
Yes, but once production is started they can always make more for export. The export version won't come with all the same capabilities as the domestic version for the USAF.
The Eagle 2 is itself the result of exports to the Middle-East which paid for the upgrades which make it different from the original Eagle (1).
"Let them eat cake", not "caviar". Gripen is very tasty, so 'they' say. Yes, Taiwan may well dine-out on Gripen.
The best option would be to wait for the Saab AB Flygsystem 2035 (still in development).
2035 might be too late
2035 atleast.
After R&D, test flights and any other delays. Also Sweden would have already placed an order so there will be a waiting list.
2040 sounds more realistic.
Another option would be KAI KF-21 Boramae.
Thailand asking for the F35, is like China saying - and make it the latest version:)
If SAAB or Sweden ensures the Gripen clients or prospects that there will be any evolution ( next gen fighter not the upgrading) toward 5.5th Gen or 6th Gen in the future, there will still be some that interested but so far there's no clear plan of next Gen fighter for Sweden.
I don't think that is a factor. Like you say a SAAB next gen fighter will not look anything like Gripen, so the training/infrastructure etc will also be completely different. There will be a huge adjustments required going from F15/F16/Gripen into whatever 5th gen+ aircraft.
@@dirtey6559 It's matter for the RTAF we utilize the Link-T codeveloped with SAAB and incompatible with Link-16 or others . We may continue with SAAB if the next gen of SAAB is compatible with our Link-T.
You could also argue that Gripen E is a 5.5 gen fighter, although minus stealth. However if youre into the fine details you could argue that SAAB has mitigated the need for stealth by having a low radar cross section and great electronic jamming capacity. But more specifically Gripen E has something no other fighter has (possibly the latest Eurofighter version): swashplate mounted radar means Gripen can "notch" while maintaining radar lock for missile guidance which cannot be underestimated in BVR combat. Notching means turning the plane 180 degrees from the enemy or their missiles; it means that modern radars cant see the plane as it gets filtered out as ground clutter; these radars cant detect a plane that which have no relative movement towards or away from the enemy radar. The point is this: even stealth can be defeated up close since it only reduce the detection range. But a well executed notch can also hide the plane even up close. Problem is that notching with a fixed radar means that the plane cant give radar guidance to its missiles; Gripen E can continue give guidance while in the notch. You can probably argue that notching isnt perfect, the point is that Gripen E is a tactical enabler, it allows pilots to use and develope tactics other planes simply cant use. Its a plane that puts the most valuable resource in centre: the pilot and its training.
F35 is still no doubt an amazing plane and (or but) there are many myths about both the F35 and Gripen. But lets say that its not a coincidence that easy upgradeability provided by open software architecture is one of the main features for 6th gen and the latest F35 upgrade.
Either way Thailand would get a great plane. But i would prefer seeing Gripen for RTAF.
Maybe the thais should become partners in the korean kf21 like indonesia . Replace f16 with hf21 and f5 with fa50 block 20?
Thats sounds better for me ^^
I’m surprised that hasn’t already been proposed. The Koreans knocked it out of the park with the KF-21.
I'm sorry but the F-15EX CANNOT carry twenty-two missiles into combat. It would exceed the max gross weight and that was just a showroom configuration.
As for what Thailand should buy instead of the F-35, I say buy the Gripen E since they already operate the C and D models.
Choose the Gripen ✅
Gripen my beloved 🥺
F-15EX , the best choice 👍
I wouldn't sell them a paper airplane.
Given the ties (the Thais have) with China, I say don't sell them F-35's, 15's or 16's. If Saab wants to sell them Grippens, fine.
I say buy the Gripen. I don't want them to have the latest F-15 and 16. Although 4th generation, I wouldn't want China to get their hands on them.
Stupid Thailand can share F-16 To China but US begging Thailand about that. Thailand can do that if they want to.
Thailand doesn’t really have many high end opponents (or any enemies really, only economic rivals) in its regional area of South East Asia. Vietnam and Malaysia are the only two nearby countries that pose a credible military threat to Thailand, but they are both defensive oriented militaries, and their respective governments are more interested in fostering economic development in the region than fanning the embers of the conflicts that plagued the region during the Cold War.
Thailand’s goals in this case would be to maintain parity or a mild-to-moderate overmatch of capabilities and forces with the stronger members of it’s geographic area. Moving to retire the oldest fighters in the inventory with Gripen E/Fs and modernizing the fleet of F16 A/B MLUs into F-16Vs would be a sound decision that keeps this balance in place. Unless there is a sudden scramble for 5th gen fighters in SEA (like there is for submarines), true 5th gen fighters are unlikely to start popping up all over the place in the future.
China is the only power in Asia that overmatches everyone in SEA to a significant degree, so all the southeast asian nations walk a spectrum of either being closely aligned with the PRC (Cambodia/Laos), or more militarily wary but still economically cooperative (Vietnam), or somewhere in between (Thailand, but probably a bit closer to cooperative with China due to the military coups making Thailand a little less popular with Western Governments).
We Thais very recently have soured relationship with Cambodia and their butt-covering buddy Laos, especially after the digging up of history, the praviharn temple, Muay Thai controversy and the worst and scammiest SEA game in history. The confrontation is more likely than ever. That's why we sought to improve the air arms after navy got the new ship and the army already proved capable to whoop Cambodian behind in 2011.
Notably, after failed bid on F-35, china immediately offered us J-10, which exercised and lost to thai-operated gripen.
what about Myanmar??
@@LexlutherVII they got their own debacle we'd rather not interfere aside from labor affair.
@@naksachaisaejane1982 isn't Myanmar a threat to Thailand though?? The Airforce of the junta have violated the Thai Airspace many times!
@@LexlutherVII Supposedly so, but strike is unlikely, if occur. Cambodia with Hun Sen in charge, meanwhile, barraged Thailand with their BM21 in praviharn incident.
Recent Muay Thai claiming controversy, orchestrated by Hun Sen and collaborated by Laos head of Muay lao fed, saw Cambodians and laotians fired out of the job. Considering all that happened, Burmese govt would likely hesitate making controversy with Thai directly, especially with the high demand of Burmese labor and overall opinion of them.
They can go for China's J-20 ;)
I like the f-15ex 👌
For Thailand maybe upgraded Gripen C with HUD, AESA radar and increased engine thrust would be the best bang for the bucks since they maybe could get higher nr of advanced planes. Numbers do count in war! Either way they have to be careful to share technology with china otherwise they will eventually not get any. Its good they have good relations with china but China can also be a threat like in south china sea for Philippines .
RTAF seems not interested in C/D any more except the replacement for the attrition. E/F not in the same class as the other choices. Comparison should be done with the more possible choices like F-16 V or F-15 E or EX or Rafale instead.
Yes they get counter by J10C.
@@pichupuche2474 The RTAF would have bought the J10 in the first place if that were true but didn't.
Our country is a small democracy. that may have a border close to China So we need a 5th generation fighter plane. that has a long service life Because the budget is not much, look at the F35. Fields would be most appropriate. But unfortunately in Thailand we may not really be ready.
From a Thai citizen, thank you. 🙏
Going with more JAS-39s makes sense, since Thailand already operates them. I don't know if Thailand ever underwent their $2.6 billion dollar Mid-Life Upgrade for their aged F-16 A/B Block 15 fleet. This would bring their F-16s to Block 50 standards. Newer F-16s would be great and help soothe over some ruffled feathers of the past two decades. However, I don't see Thailand quickly returning to a more US centric orbit, as a lot of resentment runs deep. That's a shame because Thailand could really use the F-35c. Most people don't realize that Thailand does have an aircraft carrier... well... sort of. Thailand used to operate AV-8b Harrier IIs back in the day. When those were retired, the Royal Thai Navy was left without any aircraft, therefore making their carrier pretty useless.
I think Thailand knows that China isn't their friend. The only real reason why China has been so friendly is because they want to build a canal through the Isthmus of Kra, in order to negate the Malacca Strait choke point in which 70% of China's oil supply goes through from the Persian Gulf. If the US is looking for more allies to keep China hemmed in, F-35s could be a swaying factor.
Thai here. Thailand is selecting a new aircraft to replace the US l F-16 A/B. Possible options, Gripen E, F-16 Block 70 and KF-21. Thailand also has a problem with submarines. If Saab offer a submarine A-26,Gotland at an affordable price with the Gripen E, it might interesting choice.
Not mentioned is the per hour cost of operating an aircraft. Thus, for very wealthy nations like Australia, the F35 makes sense because they can afford the long term costs of having the very best equipment. Also, Australia is at the forefront of development of AI loyal wingman drones, and the F35 is fundamentally connected to that. Thailand is not so wealthy, and there is a reason their maintenance facilities are not up to F35 standards.
Lower operating costs plus (also not mentioned) the ability to operate from rough airfields and highways make the Gripen a very logical choice for Thailand. If not the Gripen, then a mix of the latest F16 and F15 are an extremely formidable asset for the country. They can't go wrong with any of those aircraft. However, if Thailand is drifting into the Chia orbit, then why are any Western countries considering selling any current production aircraft? It is not any remote risk of having to fight them, it is the near certainty of the Chinese studying the aircraft up close.
❤️❤️❤️👍
ok
Thailand has no enemies!
Its military might consider true political freedom an enemy.
Thailand should skip the f35, the cheapest cost is the jet itself (85-100 million) but the costs of running the plane is $65,000 per hour, 10 year upkeep costs are well above $200 million PER PLANE not including any additional upgrades.
Thailand won't get F35s, but they should get the F15EX which is superior to any jet of its neighbors.
Nah, Thailand is too close with China and eagle 2 is very advance, the Thai will simply send them to China for stealing, it's a trustworthy problem more than capability problem
F-15 EX has a lot of same systems as F-18 Super Hornet which is backbone of US Navy, being China's neighbor they won't get that.
@@niweshlekhak9646Super Hornets are taking a backseat as the F-35C and NGAD roll in, wouldn't hurt all that much as the tech is somewhat dated at this point
Gen 4 aircraft are NOT SURVIVABLE over A modern battlefield. May as well go for the Gripen E which will be more supportable and cheaper to acquire and operate.
@@forzaelite1248 NGAD will roll in 2030s, still too early to give tech away.
you are promoting a duck of a jet due to the onboard electronics - which should've been fitted to a proper fighter
Well......with Thai defenses buying China tanks, doesn't help its situation.....
We have that problem helping out Turkey in its air-defense, after Turkey, a NATO ally, purchases S-400 missiles from ruSSia.
"No F-35s for YOU!!", sorry Thailand.
US would sanction any country buy weapon from Russia but not China.
despite being an obvious f-35 fanboy i personally believe the gripen will be better for thailand
Im just saying maybe get some harrier for our carrier lol😂
Really, if the US offered up Thailand the package deal of F-15EX and F-16 Vipers, what was the problem? Each of those planes are far greater than anything Thailand currently needs and considering their often disloyal actions to the US by sharing information with China, they were crazy to think we'd just hand over 5th generation technology to them.
If Sweden can sell them some more Gripens? That's fine too. There is always the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets which are considered 4.5 generational fighters but i noticed the US didn't offer those up lol
Our country is a small democracy. that may have a border close to China So we need a 5th generation fighter plane. that has a long service life Because the budget is not much, look at the F35. Fields would be most appropriate. But unfortunately in Thailand we may not really be ready.
From a Thai citizen, thank you.
Or really? Why Thailand didn't share F-16 to Chinese side?
For most countries, the F35 is not the answer. And that is not because of the usual reason of procurement and maintenance costs. Which are extremely high. It is mostly because this puts a country in debt to the United States, and all that entails. Most countries should avoid all weaponry from the United States, or they risk losing their sovereignty. The US asks a lot to secure it at the top of the world order. It can, and does use threats to get backing at such places as the UN. Buying F35s, that cannot be maintained without US help, is like bending the knee and swearing an oath to back all US foreign policy.
Thailand has the grippen already
It is replcing its older Grippens.
900 built 500 Grounded
Yeah, its understandable that the US doesn't want to get into a situation when it is threatened, or even have to fight its own F-35s.
Same as of Turkey - as long as you're not 100% an ally, forget F-35s. Its not about the money!
Get eagles and gripens
Gripen 🇲🇾
F-35 = Flying Computer
That is literally whay every modern fighter jet is
@@thezig2078 F-35 is a flying supercomputer, it is capable of detecting the smallest of things. If you are in a pack of 20 F-35s you only need radar of 1 F-35 to work to make the pack work.
5 of them crashed into the sea while taking off. Shit overrated aircraft
Money aside Thailand doesn't have the security standards and geopolitical orientation required for such a system.
Thailand supported Axis Japan during the second World War.
Thailand support for China doesn't help South East Asia.
Thailand should seriously re-think it's policies regarding it's neighbors being harassed by China.
5th Gen jets are pointless if you dont have all the other stuff thats part of 5th gen doctrine and tactics.
The days of slipping past air defenses like in Desert storm are long gone.
in Desert Storm, they didn't slip past air defenses, An Apache raid on radar stations destroyed anything air defense's could do.
For gods sake Australia get some F-15's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They don't want anything just corrupted money from buying adult boy's toy.
Only 2 F35 the Thai wanted to buy...what’s give? Buying on behalf for China. Meanwhile only the Australia, Japan, Korea has the F35, the next one is a very tiny state in South East Asia is receiving a squadron of F35B is Singapore.
What you said shows that you did not search for information and showing stupidity. In the first year, the Royal Thai Air Force paid for 2 aircraft at a time and so on until 1 squadron had F-35 8-12 aircrafts.
Grippen 🫢
It’s should be more duel F-35 vs Rafale, like any serious contest for the last 8y
Why ,with the relationship with China since the 2014 coup and purchases of advanced weapons, would Thailand want the F-35? Why not buy Chinas 5th generation aircraft? I’m sure China knows plenty about the F-35 already but how bout we not put one in arms reach for them. After all, haven’t they gotten enough from us already?
Good your lucky the F-35 will become a hanger queen requiring massive amounts of maintenance.
Blatantly false.
I may be biased, but Thailand should really read the bottom line in the contract. This is what some NATO countries, that didn't, end up with on their F-35s:
Finland: 64 planes, $147 million per plane
Canada: 88 planes, $161 million per plane
Norway: 52 planes, $197 million per plane
Germany: 35 planes, $252 million per plane
As for JAS-39 there really are not that many deals available, most of the exports are on lease. But South Africa bought 28 planes for $53,5 million a piece.
So, buy it dirt cheap, or lease it? What a no-brainer. Especially for planes that are 100% dedicated to defense, rather than offense.
If you wanna invade a foreign country, go ahead with the F-35, it's best for the job. Don't forget to order the aircraft carriers too.
If you just want to defend your own country, there's a really cost-effective alternative.
that price you are listing contains all of the maintenance and extra parts, R & D stuff, Germany had a nuclear deterrent missile package which is why price is so high.
Why do Singapore need F-35 then?
@@niweshlekhak9646 Of course all of them include all the extras. It's all about the bottom line. Your point being?
@@dydactic1112 Yes, really? Very good question. Does anyone here know why? Is Singapore planning to invade China?
@@bfelten1 The countries that you listed Canada, Finland and Norway have to had F-35s being modified for Artic tundra, Germany decided to add nuclear deterrent and long range missiles which increased costs massively. A normal F-35A will cost just 77 million.
Gripen was nothing but a flying debt at the last Red Flag. Its cheap for a reason.
Don’t sell chinas allies American equipment
Thailand is not a Chinese ally.
The thai aire force should get chinese 5th gen fighters instead, since they acquire a whole lot of armament from them already. In my humble opinion it's way too risky in a lot of ways.
They want the f35 to defend against China so there is not way they would buy Chinese aircraft
Is China selling the j20 or j35 yet?
If they have enough money, then the F-35
Else, the Gripen
Isn’t this a simple question?
More F-35s the better.
Is everyone has the same aircraft, all adversaries would have to do is focus on countering that aircraft.
JAS 39 Gripen
Let them buy j20s
No…….US won’t sell F-35 to Thailand…..so, it’s either F-16 or Gripen