Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force ready to cooperate with the government. Accept the Prime Minister's policy Delay the purchase of a new fleet of fighter jets. But the project was not folded. Prepare to continue next year to support the F-16 being retired in 2071. Prepare to set conditions for partner companies to purchase Thai products. When you take money out, you must find a way to bring it into the country as well.
Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force (Commander of the Air Force), discussed the case of preparing the 2024 budget of the Air Force. In response to the government's policy of delaying the purchase of unnecessary equipment, the Air Force has been informed of the Prime Minister's policy. along with delaying the weapons procurement project Especially the project to procure fighter aircraft. The Prime Minister acknowledged and understood the need for the Air Force, but this year in order to solve the basic problems. which must cooperate with the government
“The Air Force will mostly use the improvements. Including maintenance Focus on procurement related to safety. Including helping people, for example, we have a plan to improve the BT-67 aircraft that will be able to hold water tanks. For use in forest fire extinguishing missions Including the dissolution of smog, other parts will be minor projects that focus on safety, such as aircraft repairs,” the Air Force commander said.
When asked whether the project to procure a new squadron of fighter jets must be folded or not? Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee said that it cannot be folded because we have constitutional limitations that we must adhere to regarding security in protecting our independence and sovereignty. In 2028 onwards, we will begin to gradually retire fighter jets. F16 in Nakhon Ratchasima Province It took about 5 years to be decommissioned. During this time we tried to maintain it. In order to carry out the mission with maximum efficiency
“Procuring replacement aircraft takes time, such as procuring a squadron of Gripen aircraft, which is not procured in one go. It takes us 10 years to train pilots. in order to be ready for combat Therefore, you must plan ahead. And it may have to request replacement fighter jets in fiscal year 2025 for the Gripen upgrade project. Currently, all 11 machines have been completed, which is sufficient for air operations,” said the Air Force commander.
When asked how the guidelines have been prepared for the procurement of fighter jets in fiscal year 2025, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee said it must be worthwhile. Benefits to the Air Force The Prime Minister has a policy regarding foreign purchases, while also allowing foreign countries to come and buy our products. which the Air Force gives importance to and adhere to policy If we use the money to buy foreign weapons Partner companies are required to repatriate funds into our country of similar value. or according to the proportion to be determined next Some countries set a fixed rate. But in our part, there is currently no These things answer the needs of the people. In the future, the army will be on the side of the people. and understand the role of those who run the country We can go together.
Source: Thai News Agency